The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Chairperson of the Edo State Police Command, Mrs Helen Atekha Odemwingie.
The suspension follows a trending picture of the PCRC chairperson and other members seen wearing black uniforms similar to that of the police with accompanying insignias and inscriptions at an event held at the Edo State Police command.
In a statement by the Acting Force Public Relations Officer CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “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”.
The Force equally condemned the illegal use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements by non-police individuals and groups.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police 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.
“In recent times, members of the police public relations person across the state are seen to be taking their relationship with the police too far, particularly in their mode of dressing.
“Many come to events in Tshirts and accomplishments in police colour, others go about police divisions to solicit for the release of suspects in police custody”, he added.
