NGO feeds over 40 suspects in police custody
Contingent Commander, Ehide introduces Lagos State Police Command, Ward Ogbu to Amisom Mogadishu Regional Commander of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit, Mustapha Alamutu, on 6th January 2014 at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. Ward Ogbu had arrived with seventy officers to replace seventy officers who were leaving Mogadishu after completing their rotation. The AMISOM Police which comprises Ugandan, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Sierra Leoneian police,has the mandate to provide mentoring and advisory support to SPF on basic police duties, such as human rights observation, crime prevention strategies, community policing, search procedures and investigations. AU UN IST PHOTO / David Mutua
No fewer than 40 suspects were on Monday feted by First British Charity Home Foundation, an NGO, during a visit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspects were in joyous mood as they all received food and drinks from the NGO.
The policemen who were on duty were not left out as they also partook in the feast.
The Founder of the NGO, Mr Evans Uchendu, told NAN that his decision to provide free food and medical care for suspects in police custody was borne out of his passion for humanity.
Uchedu noted that he carried out the gesture regularly across the country.
He added that his close working relationship with the police had shown that people in custody needed compassion and outreach.
He said some police officers at times catered for the needs of detainees from their pockets.
He, however, called on other NGOs and public spirited individuals to emulate the gesture to reduce the burden on the authorities.
“The Foundation is not a money spinning foundation. It’s a non-government and non- profit making organisation.
“My intention is to also provide free medical and social welfare to the aged in rural areas.
“I believe that showing sincere love to people faced with such a challenge will reduce the level of insecurity in the country and change the negative mindset of the people,” he said.
While receiving the foundation, ACP Sola Oketunji of the SCID,, commended the NGO for the gesture as part of its Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He urged other NGOs to emulate the gesture while assuring Lagosians that the Nigeria Police was committed to securing the lives and property of every citizen.(NAN)
