By Ebinum Samuel
For over five decades, the Special Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Unit of the Lagos State Police Command based on Musuliu Smith Street ( formerly PantiStreet) Yaba, was a source of fear to citizens due to the unprofessional behaviour of its officers.
However, that reputation has been left in the past thanks to introduction, emergence of educated and well-trained personnel to that unit in recent years.
When evaluating the distinct contributions of the past heads of this sensitive and very important unit, it can be calmly said that DCP Olayinka Balogun restructured that department more significantly than any other officer, while DCP Solomon Arase managed it with the strictness of his Scotland Yard peers.
Meanwhile, DCP Yetunde Longe, DCP Adegoke Fayoade and DCP Ahmed Lateef were unmatched in their public relations skills, their commitments to upholding the rule of law and the dignity of suspects.
The current occupant of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin could said to be chip of the old block to his predecessors in reforming, restructuring, enforcing discipline and professional conduct on the operatives.
He’s building upon his predecessors’ concepts, consistently refining the areas where they fell short.
Akinbisehin is stern serious, firm, no-nonsense disciplinarian, strict, duty-focused officer and never carefree.
In the words of an investigator who seek anonymity, ” our OC maintains professional demeanor, demonstrating unwavering firmness. He’s known for being serious and articulate. He operates in an uncompromising discipline. His watchword for us (the officers here)is to resume duty daily with a focus on acting professionally, courteously toward the public. Also, to uphold civil conduct in our interactions with the public” said the officer.
At SCID office, the instructions from Akinbisehin to the junior ranks that formed the bulk of officers at SCID, is to prioritize polite and professional service, placing public trust above personal gain or fear, demonstrating dedication to the rule of law, operatives to have the courage to expose colleagues whose conduct is below professional standards and to treat suspects with dignity.
With the appointment of Tijani Fatai as the Police Chief in charge of Lagos state, with IGP Olatunji Disu as the nation’s number one police cop, it appears that the better days Nigerians and foreigners talked about over the years “for a better and verile force” is here.
