PRO Shogunle suggested that the police force was going to be headed into a new era of accountability. He went as far as to say that he would allow SaharaReporters to investigate the detention centers of the anti-robbery squads, which have had a notorious reputation for extrajudicial killings and secret incarceration of suspects.
The Public Relations Office (PRO) for the Nigerian Police, Abayomi Shogunle, spoke with SaharaTV Publisher Omoyele Sowore on corruption and bribery in the Nigerian Police. PRO Shogunle reached out to SaharaTV and SaharaReporters after a videotape was released of police officers demanding bribes from undercover SaharaReporters correspondents.
PRO Shogunle suggested that the police force was going to be headed into a new era of accountability. He went as far as to say that he would allow SaharaReporters to investigate the detention centers of the anti-robbery squads, which have had a notorious reputation for extrajudicial killings and secret incarceration of suspects.
PRO Shogunle also elaborated on the strategic goals the new Inspector General of the Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, which included frameworks to improve the logistics and welfare of rank-and-file police officers. PRO Shogunle added that “I think you will see that the Police have been the only institution in Nigeria to hold their own accountable.”
However, when asked why the police did not arrest Jelili Adesiyan for his involvement with the Ekitigate scandal exposed by SaharaReporters, PRO Shogunle told SaharaTV that “Jelili Adesiyan is not a member of the police, he is the Minister for Police Affairs.” Mr. Adesiyan helped to successfully rig the Ekiti State gubernatorial elections for Ayo Fayose, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor.
When pushed that it is not possible to combat corruption in the police force without arresting the Police Commanders and leaders, PRO Shogunle responded by emphasizing a forthcoming anti-corruption campaign which would not discriminate from one perpetrator over another.