Police Suspends PCRC Chairman Over Use of Non-police Uniform, Kits
• As IGP Decries indiscriminate use, sales of Police uniform; Orders Collaboration with Guild of Actors for Proper use of Police Uniforms
By Paul Michael, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has suspended the Edo State Command Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) indefinitely for the use of non-police uniforms, kits and accoutrements.
In statement by the Acting Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, the Force said the suspension became imperative following a trending picture on social media of the PCRC chairman and other members wearing black uniforms similar to that of the NPF at a function held at Edo State Police Command.
The Trumpet gathered that the non-police uniforms were having different insignias and inscriptions.
The statement, which said the act contravenes the provisions of section 214{1} of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 101 of the Police Act, 2020, also noted that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, decried the illegal use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements by non-police individuals and groups.
It further added that the IGP has ordered the Force PRO to collaborate with the Guild of Actors in Nigeria to ensure proper use of police uniforms in movies and skits.
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“The suspension is coming on the heels of a trending picture of the PCRC chairperson and other members at a function held at the Edo State Police Command wherein the PCRC members were seen wearing black uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Police Force, with accompanying insignias and various inscriptions.
“It has been noted that the act contravenes the provisions of section 214{1} of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 101 of the Police Act, 2020.
“In line with the extant law, the IGP hereby warns that henceforth, any individual who adorns themselves illegally in police uniforms, would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Similarly, the IGP has ordered the police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit to clampdown on persons who engage in the illegal sales of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements, outside of police approved stores and the office of the Quartermaster.
“In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police has further directed the Force Public Relations Officer to meet and collaborate with members of the Guild of Actors in Nigeria to improve partnership to ensure proper use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements in their movies/skits,” the statement said.
