The Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State Command has set up a special team with the mandate to receive, vet, and compile complaints, investigate and bring to justice those found involved in perpetrating wrongful conduct, before, during and after the elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Ussaini Gumel, made the inauguration at the command headquarters in Sokoto.
Gumel said the inauguration was a directive by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to ensure peaceful conduct of gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
According to him, the team comprises of police lawyers, and forensic investigation experts with a speciality in conducting evidence-based investigations, interrogation and technology-driven prosecution processes for the courts.
He said the decision came as a result of the police command’s desire to address the concerns raised by members of the public regarding the best way to go in search of quicker means of the dispensation of justice.
Gumel called on members of the public, in particular, the political class to take note and warn their followers about the need to shun violence before, during and after the ongoing 2023 general elections.
He added that the Police and other relevant security agencies in the state are already working in collaboration with INEC legal team alongside the Federal and State Directorates of Public Prosecutions for the desired legal advice.
He also charged members of the public particularly politicians in the state to consider the national interest, love and survival of its people above individual or groups’ political interests.
The Commissioner further explained that the doors of the command are open to receive any electoral cases and related necessary actions.
He said the special team is to be led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Isah and SP Nasiru Lawal Esq.
Emmanuel Ukoh