by Alexander O. Onukwue

Giving reasons for dismissing six policemen who were involved in a jail break, the Commissioner of Police for Abia State, Mr Adeleye Oyebade said: 

“I believe in policing with the fear of God and all I have said in this case is nothing but the truth because I want to make heaven”. The Commissioner also says he was disappointed at the officers because they had played significant roles in the majority of the successes achieved by the command. 

Policing for “the fear of God” is fine, and perhaps to be esteemed as virtuous. Given its reputation for being one of the most corrupt organisations in Nigeria, it is to be admired that one of its top officers seeks to follow a virtuous path in carrying out his duties. 

However, not everybody clearly wants to “make heaven” in the police, neither is it necessarily the core reason for the Police to be alive to its responsibilities to the public. While it sounds like he is publicly professing his faith, it does little to give assurance of the consciousness of the objectives of the Police force. 

Mr Commissioner says the officers will be prosecuted; who knows? Perhaps they could be let off with mercy so that they too can make heaven? 

Op-ed Editor