For stories, adverts, & ENQUIRIES, wHATSAPP US @ +2347036240302
Police Officers Petition IGP Over ACP Ngozi Braide's Alleged Three-Month Absence From Duty Post, Unauthorised Foreign Trip
Police Officers Petition IGP Over ACP Ngozi Braide's Alleged Three-Month Absence From Duty Post, Unauthorised Foreign Trip
CORRUPTION
The Nigerian Record
8/3/20263 min read
Some police officers serving at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, over the alleged prolonged absence of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ngozi Braide, from her duty post.
In the petition, the officers alleged that Braide had been absent from her official duty station for about three months and accused the management of the FCID Annex of failing to address the situation.
The petition, titled "Petition on the Alleged Chronic Absence from Duty of ACP Ngozi Braide and Failure of Supervision at FCID Annex Alagbon," was signed by persons identified only as "Concerned Officers" of the FCID Annex, Alagbon.
According to the petition, the officers urged the IGP to investigate whether Braide travelled outside Nigeria without obtaining the required official approval from the appropriate police authorities.
"We, the undersigned concerned officers serving at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, respectfully write this petition to bring to your attention an issue which, in our humble view, has adversely affected discipline, effective supervision, and operational efficiency within the Force CID Annex Alagbon, Lagos," the petition stated.
The officers alleged that Braide, who they said was assigned supervisory responsibilities at the command, had consistently stayed away from duty for an extended period.
"It is our respectful observation that ACP Ngozi Braide, who is assigned to perform supervisory duties at FCID Annex, has allegedly been consistently absent from her duty post for a period of three months," the petition said.
"We further understand that she is alleged to have travelled outside the Federal Republic of Nigeria without the requisite official approval or authorization from the appropriate police authorities."
The petitioners argued that if the allegations were established, such conduct would amount to a violation of the discipline expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force.
"The continued absence of a supervising officer from her duty station places an unnecessary burden on subordinate officers who remain at work daily to discharge the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Force," it stated.
The officers further lamented what they described as the failure of the supervisory authority at FCID Alagbon to take action despite the alleged prolonged absence.
"It is equally disturbing that despite the alleged persistent nature of this situation, no visible corrective action appears to have been taken by the supervisory authority (AIG Force CID Alagbon)," the officers said.
"This perceived inaction has created the unfortunate impression that certain officers may be above the disciplinary standards applicable to other members of the Force. Such a perception, whether accurate or not, undermines morale, discipline, and public confidence in the administration of the Nigeria Police Force."
The petitioners maintained that no police officer, regardless of rank, should be exempt from the Force's disciplinary rules.
"The Nigeria Police Force is founded upon the principles of accountability, discipline, obedience to lawful authority, and equal application of its Rules and Regulations. No officer, irrespective of rank or appointment, should be seen to enjoy immunity from these standards."
They asked the IGP to order an independent investigation into the allegations and verify whether all necessary approvals for leave and foreign travel had been obtained.
Specifically, the officers requested the police hierarchy to examine Braide's attendance records, movement register, leave records and other official documents relating to her posting and presence at work.
They also urged the IGP to determine whether there had been any supervisory failure in handling the matter and to impose disciplinary measures if misconduct was established.
"Where any misconduct is established, apply the appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Nigeria Police Regulations, and the Public Service Rules, 2021," the petition added.
The officers said the petition was submitted solely to protect discipline, accountability and fairness within the Force.
"Sir, this petition is written solely in the interest of preserving discipline, fairness, accountability, and the enviable reputation of the Nigeria Police Force," the officers said.
"We firmly believe that every officer should be held to the same professional standards irrespective of rank or influence.
"We trust in your commitment to justice, transparency, and institutional discipline, and respectfully urge your prompt intervention."