The Osun State Police Command has called for stronger collaboration with private security organisations to combat crime and ensure effective prosecution of arrested suspects across the state.
The appeal was made on Saturday by the Area Commander of Iwo Area Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Temitayo Ogunjeminsin, during a security summit organised by the Ta’awunu Society in Iwo, tagged Ta’awunu National Security. The summit, themed “Criminal Activities and the Effects of Illicit Drugs,” brought together members of the Ta’awunu security organisation, social groups, market leaders, and representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who also presented papers.
Addressing participants on the need for collaboration between volunteer security outfits and conventional law enforcement, Ogunjeminsin warned against the brutalisation of suspects and stressed the importance of proper procedures to ensure seamless prosecution.
“I want to say this to you because some of you come out at night to patrol. When a suspect is arrested, it is important not to dehumanise or brutalise him or her. We can’t assume that because we are in uniform, we can beat a suspect to a pulp. If that happens and the suspect is brought to the station barely alive, it complicates police work,” he said.
The police chief urged volunteers to ensure that suspects are handed over to law enforcement properly and that statements are recorded accurately. Emphasising the importance of evidence in legal proceedings, he said: “If a suspect is taken to court and there is no evidence to back the charge, the court may dismiss the case. By the time the people see the suspect again in town, they blame the police. When you arrest a suspect, make sure you follow up with the matter.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ta’awunu Society, Ameer Sheik Daood Imran said the organisation has been operating for over 20 years, providing security across Iwo and other locations in Nigeria. He noted that the group does not use firearms or illicit drugs and hands over arrested suspects to law enforcement agencies such as the police or the Department of State Services (DSS).
“We observed rising criminal activities in Iwo town, with thieves and ritualists operating freely. Over 100 communities have invited us to provide security. Before we started, we consulted lawyers and involved the police to define the limits of our operations. Any support from government will enhance our performance, especially for our operatives who are students, artisans, and business owners,” Imran said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and community leaders have expressed support for the summit and the work of Ta’awunu Society. In goodwill messages, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, represented by the Akire of Ikire Ile, Oba Abdulazeez Adebamiji, and the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Iwo Local Government Branch, Adekunle Adejobi, commended the initiative and promised continued collaboration to enhance security in the council area.
Beyond security, Ta’awunu Society is involved in religious and commercial activities, including managing the Islamic Market in Iwo, where items are sold at controlled prices to support the local community.
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