Edith CHUKU
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has warned against unlawful detention, abuse of police powers and criminalisation of purely civil disputes.
Ordue warned that the police must not be used as an instrument of intimidation, harassment or debt recovery, particularly in matters arising from contractual disagreements, land disputes and other civil transactions.
The CP emphasised that officers must exercise sound professional judgment in distinguishing civil disputes from genuine criminal allegations, ensuring that only matters disclosing criminal elements are subjected to criminal investigation in accordance with the law.
Ordue issued this warning as part of effort to end unlawful detention as he commenced an unscheduled visits to Police divisions across the state.
Ordue revealed that the visits was part of efforts to strengthen operational supervision and assess divisional performance.
He also noted that the visit aimed to ensure that policing standards translate into effective service delivery across the command.
The CP stated this when he inspected detention cells and security facilities during an unscheduled visit to state housing, federal housing and Ikpa Omin Police Divisions, Calabar.
Ordue also assessed the security architecture and operational preparedness of the division, held an interactive session with officers to obtain firsthand insight into their challenges, administrative processes and policing activities.
The initiative known as Management by Walking About MBWA, also provided an opportunity to assess compliance with established procedures and the general standards of service delivery at the divisional level.
He further charged officers in charge of the divisions to strengthen internal supervision, uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, maintain proper documentation and strictly comply with established procedures governing arrest, investigation and detention.
The CP reiterated that professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain non-negotiable standards in the discharge of police duties.
He noted that the management by walking about initiative was designed to bridge the gap between command-level leadership and operational realities at the divisional level through direct engagement, firsthand assessment and sustained oversight.
Ordue assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, addressing security concerns and ensuring that citizens receive professional, responsive and accountable policing services.
He also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information
