Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations in Delta State, has cautioned Nigerians against putting pressure on the police and other security agencies to free or pardon suspected criminals.
Adejobi, a former spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, said such interventions were shameful and could weaken the fight against crime in the country.
He said this in a post on his official 𝕏 handle on Monday, adding that whoever asks for a criminal to escape justice should also be considered a criminal.
Adejobi said he would not entertain appeals from persons seeking the release or pardon of persons accused of crime.
His position on crime and criminality remained firm, he said, and efforts to influence security agencies in favour of suspected criminals would not succeed.
“I always stand by my principles and position on fighting crime and criminality. Don’t bother to contact me, pleading for a criminal. It’s a disgrace, and it will not end well,” he wrote.
The senior police officer also cautioned that those who put pressure on law enforcement agencies to turn a blind eye to criminal acts were part of the problem.
“Also, anyone begging and putting pressure on the police and security agencies to release or pardon a criminal or to overlook a crime is also a criminal,” he added.
He also called on the country’s security architecture and the citizenry to remain resolute in the fight against crimes and social vices.
He says criminality can be fought with firmness by law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
“No ifs, ands or buts. We need to be firm and resolute to curbing crimes and vices in our society, as a people,” he said.
Adejobi insisted that no one should be above the law and alleged criminals should be left to face the law without interference.
