FCT Police to engage judiciary over lenient punishments for criminals
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed concern over the lenient penalties handed down to criminals by the courts, stressing that the situation undermines security efforts.
Disu made this known during a press briefing in Abuja following the FCT Security Committee meeting chaired by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the police commissioner, some offenders, despite being arrested and charged, have been let off with minimal punishments, allowing them to return to crime.
He cited a case where a vandal was arrested for damaging government infrastructure but was only given community service as punishment. The individual later resumed criminal activities and was eventually electrocuted while tampering with an electrical installation.
Disu revealed that the police had scheduled a meeting with the judiciary to discuss the issue and push for stricter penalties for offenders.
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“The courts have a lot of powers. But at the same time, we have our concern. You also mentioned the issue of somebody who was arrested some time ago by the police for vandalizing government property and then he was given a light punishment of a community service, and he went back, then he got electrocuted.
“We are going to have meetings with the judiciary. We have scheduled meetings with them. We are going to discuss our observations and then I’m sure there should be improvements. Because it’s painful to take time to effect arrests and then they just get out of the court with a pat on the back of their hands.” he said.
The briefing also highlighted the success of security operations aimed at tackling infrastructure theft in the FCT. Disu reported that in the past three weeks, security agencies had recorded significant breakthroughs in curbing the theft of manhole covers and electricity cables.
The minister, he said, was pleased with the results, and efforts were ongoing to profile individuals involved in Panteka (scrap trading) to ensure that stolen government properties are not resold.
On border security, the police commissioner disclosed that clearance operations were being carried out in neighbouring states to prevent bandits from infiltrating the FCT.
The operations, conducted by the police, military, and civil defence, have so far contributed to the relative peace observed in the territory over the past two weeks.
To further strengthen security, Disu announced plans for joint security meetings with states bordering the FCT.
“We want a coordinated approach to security. We do not want a situation where one state carries out clearance operations, only for criminals to escape to another area. A joint policing strategy will ensure a more effective response,” he stated.
Addressing other security concerns, Disu responded to reports of harassment by ‘AMAC Boys’, who allegedly extort residents under the guise of local government enforcement.
He assured the public that the police were planning operations to put an end to such activities and encouraged residents to report cases through police hotlines.
Regarding scavengers, commonly known as ‘Baban Bola’, Disu reaffirmed that scavenging had been banned within the FCT metropolis and should only take place at designated dump sites. He urged residents to report any violations to the authorities.
On the ongoing profiling of Panteka operators, he noted that the process was in its final stages. “We have started the profiling, and the ministry is conducting its assessments. Security agencies will begin their vetting shortly,” he said.
Disu concluded the briefing by reassuring FCT residents of their safety, stating that clearance operations had successfully reduced criminal activities, including the notorious “one chance” robberies. “The FCT is safe, and we encourage everyone to go about their lawful businesses without fear,” he said.
