You are Employed to Enforce Fundamental Human Rights, FCT CP Educates Colleagues
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Ajao Adewale, has emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Commissioner in a lecture focused on the apprehension of offenders and the importance of upholding the law while respecting the rights of individuals.
According to Commissioner Adewale, when an individual commits a crime, such as slapping another person, they are violating the victim’s fundamental right. “If a man slaps another, what has he done?” the Commissioner asked rhetorically. “He has violated the right of the other. The law then says he has committed assault.”
The Commissioner explained that this principle applies to more severe crimes, such as murder, where the perpetrator deprives the victim of their right to life.
The Commissioner stressed that police officers are employed to enforce and preserve the fundamental rights of citizens, and that it is essential for them to understand this role.
“You are employed to enforce and preserve the fundamental right of citizens,” he said. “So, the idea of slapping a suspect, abusing a suspect is unprofessional.”
Commissioner Adewale emphasized that police officers must not fall foul of the law they are enforcing. “You are a law enforcer,” he said. “You should not fall foul of the law you are enforcing. That error is gone.” The Commissioner’s message was clear: police officers must conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner, upholding the law while protecting the rights of all citizens.
The meeting was seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform the police force and improve relationships between law enforcement and the community. The Commissioner’s emphasis on respecting citizens’ rights is expected to have a positive impact on policing in the Federal Capital Territory, and his words are being hailed as a welcome reminder of the importance of upholding the law while protecting the rights of all individuals.
