From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The first-ever female Commissioner of Police for the Edo State Command and the 49th Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin, resumed duties at the Command headquarters in Benin City, on Monday. She warned operatives of the Command against extortion and the random searching of citizens’ phones.
She explained that the directive against extortion and phone searches is from the Inspector General of Police and emphasised that such actions can only be conducted if necessary during the course of an investigation.
The Commissioner, who began her career in Bauchi State in 1992 and has served in various capacities across Commands nationwide, also pledged to tackle gender-based violence against women and children.
“I started my career in Bauchi State, from there to Plateau, where I worked in various divisions as DPO before I was moved to Edo State, where I also worked in about 10 divisions as DPO—Oba Market, Textile Mill Road, Okhoro, and a host of others.
“I also worked in the State Command as OC Conflict Resolution, and I have a special interest in cases that have to do with gender-based violence involving children.
“I also worked as an Assistant Commissioner in Kebbi State and the Port Authority as AC Administration. I served as Area Commander in Rivers and Imo as Assistant Police Commissioner before being promoted to Deputy Police Commissioner and transferred to Zone 5 headquarters, Benin, in charge of administration.
“Upon my promotion to CP, I was transferred to the Force Intelligence Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja, and from there, I was posted to Edo State as Commissioner of Police,” she disclosed.
Expanding on the issue of phone searches, the new Edo State Police boss said, “The IG has said we don’t need to check phones, but when there are issues that relate to checking information, we can’t stop that.
“I am here to ensure that the crime level is drastically reduced. I will also address extortion because the IGP has strongly warned against it.
“We are also going to focus on gender-based violence, violence against women and children, and work on laws related to the protection of women and the Child Rights Act,” she stated.