TheCable

Zubairu Muazu, Lagos state commissioner of police, says any officer who collects money for bail is not different from a kidnapper.

Speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning of a statement taking room (STR) for CID Panti, Yaba, the commissioner warned the officers to steer clear of corruption as it has given the force a bad name.

The facility was provided by the rule of law and anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme managed by the British Council and funded by the European Union.

Muazu commended RoLAC for providing the facility, saying that STR was important in police investigation.

“I advise that we stay far away from corruption. It gives us bad name as it is unprofessional and unethical,” the commissioner said.

“We have always said bail is free and we mean it. I keep saying that any policeman who collects money for bail is not different from a kidnapper. The only difference is that everyone knows where you kept the suspects.

“The country is hard and we need the people more than they need us. Let us stay far from corruption.”

The police commissioner assured the British Council and members of the public that the facility would be utilised effectively.