Imo CP Warns Officers Against Human Rights

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, has issued a firm directive to officers and men of the command to uphold the fundamental human rights of suspects and citizens during law enforcement operations.

Danjuma made the call during the command’s weekly in-house refresher training held on Tuesday at the Police Headquarters in Owerri. The session is part of a nationwide initiative directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed to improve professionalism and accountability in the Nigeria Police Force.

The CP emphasized that the era of impunity was over and that the command is committed to aligning with global best practices in law enforcement, adding that officers must operate within the boundaries of the Constitution and all legal frameworks governing police conduct.

He said: “Respect for human rights in line of duty is non-negotiable.”

Reiterating the IGP’s vision, Danjuma stated that the force is undergoing continuous reforms focused on professionalism, training, and community-oriented policing. He also urged members of the public to partner with the police by reporting any unprofessional conduct or abuse of rights by officers.

During the training, Chief Principal Security Officer to the Government of Imo State, CSP Shaba Gboyako Adamu, delivered a lecture titled “Human Rights Issues: Handling of Suspects and Other Citizens to Ensure No Breach of Human Rights Occurs.”

CSP Adamu emphasized the need for restraint, civility, and respect for human dignity in all police interactions, especially during arrests, interrogations, and patrols.

He warned that any breach of fundamental rights not only undermines the credibility of the police force but also exposes the institution and its personnel to legal consequences. He reminded officers to remain guided by key legal instruments such as the Police Act 2020, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and internal Force Orders.

The lecture also highlighted international frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), as essential guides in policing within a democratic society.

The session was attended by the command’s management team, tactical team commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers from various units across the state.

Imo CP Warns Officers Against Human Rights is first published on The Whistler Newspaper