19th August, 2011
Lagos State Police Commissioner, Alkali Yakubu, has read riot act to in-coming inspectors and assistant superintendents of police over the presentation of fake certificates and credentials in the on going screening exercise.
Speaking before the commencement of the exercise at the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, Yakubu said he would personally supervise the screening exercise in order to ensure its fairness, transparency and credibility, insisting that any of the in-coming police officers, who presents fake certificates, falsifies documents or gives bribe to any of the officers involved in the exercise would be severely dealt with.
Obviously reacting to the recent arrest of four MOPOL officers involved in a bank robbery at Ikorodu, Lagos, Alkali stressed that in the police force, no officer is above the law when it comes to discipline. If I, as the police boss for the state, am involved in any criminal activities, I should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
Independent checks by our reporter show that a total of 1,200 candidates applied online to be enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force from all the local government areas and development councils across the state.
On Monday, 15 August, 2011 candidates from Badagry, Epe, and Ibeju Lekki areas were screened while those from Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Ojo and Amuwo Odofin were screened on Tuesday. Candidates from Ikorodu, Kosofe, Apapa, and Ajeromi as well as their colleagues from Sururlere, Ikeja, Agege faced the panel on Wednesday.
Today, Friday, 19 August, 2011 and Monday, 22 August 2011, candidates from Mushin, Oshiodi, Ifako Ijaiye as well as Shomolu and Alimosho are to participate in the exercise respectively.
The Lagos police boss further disclosed that the police will carry out independent investigations and checks on the moral standard, credibility and suitability of the candidates who applied to be enlisted in the force
—Emmanuel Udom