TheCable

Ahmed Abdulrahman, commissioner of police in Enugu state, has warned police officers to avoid receiving bribes because they bring bad luck.

Abdulrahman gave the warning in Nsukka while addressing officers of the command during a tour.

He said his administration would not spare any officer found guilty of taking bribes and collecting money for bail.

He said nobody should bring “brown envelope” to him because such a thing is “poisonous and brings bad luck”.

“The era of extortion, collection of money before doing your job or taking money before granting somebody bail is over, I will not condone such unprofessional practices,” he said.

“Some people erroneously believe that when a policeman collects illegal money from the public, he will give it to the division police officer (DPO).

“According to them, DPO will give it to the area commander and area commander will give it to commissioner of police, that is a complete lie.

“Bail is free, if any policeman collects money to bail anybody, the public should report that officer to me and he or she will be sanctioned.

“If somebody appreciates you willingly because of the excellent way you are doing your work, I am not against it.”

Abdulrahman commended other security agencies and the police community relations committee (PCRC) who assisted him in reducing the high rate of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state when he assumed office.

The police commissioner asked residents of the state to embrace community policing, adding that it has become the main practice in every part of the world.

“I am happy Enugu state has returned to its former glory as the most peaceful state in the country,” he said.

“Community policing is the main thing in every part of the world as it helps to build confidence and trust between police and the community.”