The newly deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) for Edo State, Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin has warned operatives of the Command against extortion and random searching of phones of the citizens.
The police boss, who is the first female and the 49th Commissioner of Police of the state, resumed duty at the Command headquarters in Benin, on Monday.
The CP, who also began her career in Bauchi State in 1992, has served in various capacities in police commands across the country
She said: “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 such as DPD, Oba Market, Textile Mill road, Okhoro and host of others.
“I also worked in the (Edo) State Command as OC Conflict Resolution and I have special interest in cases that have to do with gender-based violence that has to do with children.
“I also worked as an Assistant Commissioner in Kebbi State and Port Authority as AC Administration.
“I worked as Area Commander in Rivers, Imo as Assistant Police Commissioner before I was promoted to Deputy Police Commissioner and moved to Zone 5, headquarters, Benin, in charge of administration.
“Upon promotion to CP, I was transferred to Force Intelligence Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. From Abuja, I was transferred to Edo State as Commissioner of Police.”
She particularly warned operatives of the Command against random searching of phones on the streets.
The new CP also mentioned extortion of people by the operatives and criminal activities in the state as areas she would pay serious attention to.
“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 make sure that the crime level is reduced drastically, and I will look at extortion because the IGP has strongly warned against it.
“We are also going to look at sex-based violence, violence against women and children; we are going to work on laws that have to do with protection of women and the Child Right Act.”
