Public complaints: DPO numbers must be posted at entrance of stations — Force PPRO
By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi has stated that it is compulsory for all police stations to post the number of their DPOs publicly.
Members of the public are raising concerns about the practice of requiring citizens to drop their phones at the entrances of police stations and being prevented from speaking with senior police officers when they go to stations to report cases.
A Twitter user mentioned that they won’t even allow you access to any senior officer, let alone the DPO.
“The only suggestion I have is to mandate that all DPOs have their personal numbers posted publicly at the reception of every police station,” he said.
Recognizing that this has become a widespread problem, Adejobi emphasised the need for immediate action to ensure that such policies do not hinder transparency and accountability within police operations in a response on X.
ACP Adejobi highlighted the actions being implemented to ensure greater transparency and accountability within the force noting that the issue will be brought up at the next management meeting.
“DPO numbers are to be displayed at the entrance of the gate. I have sent a signal from my office, and I will still repeat that today. It’s a normal practice that every DPO should display his cell phone number at conspicuous places at the station. All PPROs will be ordered to ensure strict compliance.
“Thanks for your thoughtfulness, omoluabi. People just abuse instead of dropping good ideas to curtail all the menaces.” Adejobi said.
Adejobi reiterated that it is against police regulations for officers to request payment before providing assistance.
He encouraged individuals who encounter such demands to report them directly to the DPO or any senior officer available at the station.
A recent complaint brought this issue into focus: a theft victim reported being asked for money before an officer would accompany them to the scene of the crime.
Furthermore, the requirement to drop phones at the gate prevented the complainant from recording this demand. Adejobi assured the public that these practices are not sanctioned by the police force and will be thoroughly addressed to prevent recurrence.
Addressing widespread confusion about bail money, Adejobi clarified that the police force does not support or approve the payment of bail at any stage.
He stated that administrative bail is granted without any financial cost and urged the public to resist any demands for bail money. Adejobi called on legal practitioners to collaborate with the police to eliminate this practice and highlighted the role of intermediaries who exploit the situation for personal gain.
He also stressed the need for collective effort to eradicate this problem, urging suspects to use official help lines to report any such demands.
