The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jobele Division as part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability in an ongoing investigation.
The police commissioner also directed that the suspect linked to the incident be re-arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Haruna further ordered that the investigation be taken over by the Nigeria Police Force X-Squad to guarantee thoroughness and professional oversight.
The directives, according to the commissioner, are intended to allow for an unbiased investigation of officers accused of unprofessional conduct, following a protest by residents of the Oyo community that disrupted human and vehicular movement on Tuesday.
Haruna issued the directives on Thursday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The meeting was convened as part of the command’s efforts to ensure justice and strengthen trust between the police and residents of Oyo and surrounding communities.
Presided over by the commissioner, the engagement addressed concerns arising from a recent incident involving personnel of the Jobele Divisional Police Headquarters.
The meeting brought together representatives from the four local government areas within Oyo town, including youth leaders and student union representatives, to provide a platform for dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Those in attendance included Hon. Oyekola, representing Atiba Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahman; Hon. Prince Deji Oparinde; the Chairman of Jobele Community, Dr. S. A. Ojediran; a representative of the Jobele Traditional Council of Chiefs; and the Students’ Union Government President of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Lawal Gbolahan.
During the deliberations, the community representatives expressed their dissatisfaction with the alleged unprofessional conduct of some personnel attached to the Jobele Divisional Headquarters.
However, they acknowledged and appreciated the swift disciplinary steps already taken by the Commissioner of Police, particularly the immediate intervention and deployment of operational assets to the affected area.
They further called on the Command to continue collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in Oyo town and its environs.
The representatives also commended the Command for its sustained efforts toward maintaining peace and tranquility within the area.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Commissioner of Police appreciated the delegation for their responsible engagement and constructive contributions.
He reassured them of his unwavering commitment to ensuring a transparent, impartial, and thorough investigation into the matter.
He noted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) has already been issued a query, while other officers involved have been detained and subjected to internal disciplinary procedures pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
To further guarantee transparency and accountability in the investigative process, the Commissioner of Police directed the immediate redeployment of the DPO to allow for an unbiased investigation. He also ordered that the suspect connected with the incident be re-arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In addition, the Commissioner of Police directed that the investigation be handled by the Nigeria Police Force X-Squad to ensure thoroughness and professional oversight.
He also approved the deployment of additional tactical teams to strengthen security coverage across Oyo town and its surrounding communities.
While reiterating the Command’s commitment to justice and accountability, the Commissioner of Police assured the stakeholders that anyone found culpable will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law and extant police regulations, regardless of status or position.
He urged the good people of Oyo and its environs to continue cooperating with the Police by providing credible information that will aid ongoing investigations and enhance public safety, adding that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
The Nation reports that, following the residents protests that rocked the Jobele Divisional Police station, three officers including as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and the DPO were queries, while an Inspector detained pending the outcome of investigation.
Credit: thenationolineng.com
