A non-partisan group known as Kwara Civil Society Organisation Observatory, KCSO, paid a courtesy visit to Kwara Commissioner of Police, CP Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi.
The meeting which had in attendance eight members of the group: Musa Aliyu; Alhaji Sola Muse; Kehinde Ajibade; Mr Olusola Olanrewaju; MMusa Idris Buko; Amb. Femi Afolabi; Eng. Zul-Qharnain Shero Musa and Umar Farouq Idris took place in the office of the police chief, at the force headquarters, Ilorin, the state capital.
The group, led by Mallam Musa Aliyu, in its ‘Advocacy Demands’, presented some of the serious security challenges facing the state before the commissioner, demanding swift redress to the challenges in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, ACJL in the state.
Some of the demands, according to KCSO, include: Case Management and Speedy Trials; Human Rights and Rule of Law; Police-Community Relations; Victim Support and Welfare as well as Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Aliyu further urged the force to hasten up trial of suspects in the court, claiming delayed trial undermines public trust.
He also sought a harmonious relationship between the police and the various communities they serve. According to him, transparency and frequent communication between the operatives and the public aids proper policing.
Another member of the group, Musa Idris Buko, in his remarks, lamented the poor policing system in the northern part of the state, charging the force to give adequate attention, logistics as well as making welfare of the officers in the area a top priority to ensure commitment to the security of lives and properties of citizens.
Responding, the CP said the police do not have the power to hasten up judgement, clarifying that the privilege lies with the judiciary.
Speaking delayed trial, she maintained that serious criminal offences demand proper investigations before the suspects are arraigned before the court.
On human rights, the police boss gave maximum assurance that the rights of suspects would always be respected while in the custody of the force as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
She, however, implored parents and community leaders to contribute their quotas to society by counselling their children and wards against antisocial tendencies, asking them not to leave their primary assignments in the hands of the police.
Ebunoluwarotimi stressed that the force is taking up-to-date records of criminal cases, including all persons arrested, discharged, acquitted or convicted in the state.
