Nigeria: Police Commissioner Warns Officers Against Unlawful Detention, Abuse of Power

What the report says

Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has warned officers against unlawful detention, abuse of power and using police facilities to press civil disputes. According to Premium Times, the warning came during unscheduled visits on Friday to the State Housing, Federal Housing and Ikpa Omin police divisions in Calabar, in southeastern Nigeria, under his “Management by Walking About” oversight approach.

Ordue said the police should not be turned into a tool for intimidation, harassment or debt recovery, especially in cases involving contract disagreements, land matters and other civil transactions. He urged officers to avoid treating purely civil disputes as criminal cases, and said only matters with genuine criminal elements should be investigated as such.

During the visit, he inspected detention cells, security facilities and other operational systems, while reviewing preparedness, administrative practice and compliance with policing rules. He also told divisional commanders to strengthen internal supervision, protect citizens’ rights and keep proper records of arrests, investigations and detention.

The commissioner said professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law must remain central to police work. He also said the initiative is meant to close the gap between leadership and day-to-day operations through direct engagement. As reported by Premium Times, he reassured residents that the command remains committed to public safety and asked the public to provide timely, credible information to support policing.