The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Sabo Umar, has warned Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state against resolving violent sexual crimes in their domains.
Mr. Umar said the upsurge of violent sexual offences, especially against vulnerable groups like women and children, had become worrisome and should be dealt with through the court of law.
The police chief gave the warning when he met officials of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger Branch in Minna recently.
Speaking during an interactive session with the group of female lawyers, Umar, stated that he had issued a stern order to DPOs not to settle rape cases at the police station.
“When I came on board as the Commissioner of Police here (Niger State), I met with DPOs and I warned them against resolving rape and other violent crimes at their stations.
“The best way to deal with such cases is through the court of law. And as a law enforcement body, we need the support of partners like FIDA to adequately deal with sexual offenders.
“Therefore, we will not relent in confronting criminals in the state; to ensure that everyone inhabitant and property is safe,” Umar assured.
Earlier, the Secretary of FIDA, Niger Branch, Mrs. Christy Barau, who led the delegation, raised the alarm about the menace of sexual crimes against women and children in the state.
She called on the police commissioner to intensify efforts in tackling the challenge through swift prosecution of alleged culprits.
