By Tochi Onyeubi
Following International best practices on the emergency health system occasioned by the Corona Virus pandemic also known as COVID-19, the Imo state Commissioner of Police, CP Bolaji Fafowora has charged men of the police force to shun unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects.
This is coming under the heels of the Federal government’s directives on social distancing and the Inspector General of Police’s, IGP Adamu Mohammed’s rule on the enforcement of social distancing to contain the dreaded virus.
According to the release by the police spokesman, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, officers were charged to adhere strictly to safety measures while Area commanders, Divisional Police officers, Tactical Commanders were warned against the detention of suspects involved in minor or bailable offences and ordered to release on bail, any such offender.
They are equally to ensure proper screening of suspects on any capital offence before taken into custody and to charge such cases to court as soon as possible.
The release also informed the public that, in line with the directives of the IGP, enforcement of the social distancing and restriction order has commenced in earnest.
The public was advised to avoid unnecessary visit to the police station except when necessary and enjoined to adhere strictly to rules on social distancing.
“Furthermore, the command wishes to enjoin “Ndi Imo” to strictly adhere to all rules on social distancing and restrictions as well as avoid unnecessary visits to the police station except when necessary. This is to avoid any form breach of access as the command will not hesitate to ensure adequate compliance to the said social restriction order “.
The command however, reiterated her resolve to always protect lives and properties of Imolites even in the wake of the COVID- 19 pandemic.
