NO ROOM FOR UNLAWFUL DETENTION, ABUSE OF POLICE POWERS – CP AJO WARNS OFFICERS DURING UNSCHEDULED VISITS TO THREE DIVISIONS

CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

NO ROOM FOR UNLAWFUL DETENTION, ABUSE OF POLICE POWERS – CP AJO WARNS OFFICERS DURING UNSCHEDULED VISITS TO THREE DIVISIONS

….Inspects detention cells and security facilities under ongoing Management by Walking About initiative; cautions against criminalisation of civil disputes.

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, on Thursday, 5th November 2026, continued his Management by Walking About (MBWA) initiative with unscheduled visits to State Housing, Federal Housing and Ikpa Omin Police Divisions in Calabar. The visits form part of his sustained efforts to strengthen operational supervision, assess divisional performance and ensure that policing standards translate into effective service delivery across the Command.

2. During the visits, the Commissioner inspected the detention cells and other facilities, assessed the security architecture and operational preparedness of the divisions, and interacted with officers and men to obtain firsthand insight into their operational challenges, administrative processes and policing activities. The inspections also provided an opportunity to assess compliance with established procedures and the general standards of service delivery at the divisional level.
3. The CP issued a stern warning against unlawful detention, abuse of police powers and the criminalisation of purely civil disputes. He stressed that the police must not be used as an instrument of intimidation, harassment or debt recovery, particularly in matters arising from contractual disagreements, land disputes and other civil transactions. He emphasised that officers must exercise sound professional judgment in distinguishing civil disputes from genuine criminal allegations, ensuring that only matters disclosing criminal elements are subjected to criminal investigation in accordance with the law.
4. He further charged officers in charge of the divisions to strengthen internal supervision, uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, maintain proper documentation and strictly comply with established procedures governing arrest, investigation and detention. He reiterated that professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain non-negotiable standards in the discharge of police duties.
5. The Commissioner noted that the Management by Walking About initiative is designed to bridge the gap between command-level leadership and operational realities at the divisional level through direct engagement, firsthand assessment and sustained oversight. He assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, addressing security concerns and ensuring that citizens receive professional, responsive and accountable policing services. He also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.

E-signed:
ASP EITOKPAH SUNDAY AKATA, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Cross River State Command.
6th November 2026