PRESS RELEASE
CP ADEBOWALE LAWAL HOLDS STRATEGIC MEETING WITH COMMAND OFFICERS …WARNS AGAINST EXTORTION, MISCONDUCT, AND CRIMINAL COLLABORATION
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, on Friday, 26th September 2025, held a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters, Akure, to review recent operations, evaluate performance, and set fresh security priorities across the State.
The Commissioner commended the officers of the Command for their resilience and achievements in recent operations, which include the arrest of criminals, recovery of stolen vehicles, foiling of kidnap attempts, and the neutralization of armed gangs in various encounters.
He urged officers to sustain momentum through intelligence-led policing and robust community partnership, stressing that collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, and other stakeholders remains indispensable in addressing emerging threats.
With the ember months, political activities, and Independence Day celebrations ahead, CP Adebowale directed his men to intensify patrols, strengthen community relations, and conduct all operations with firmness, fairness, and professionalism.
He warned against unauthorized roadblocks, extortion, and misconduct, stressing that the forthcoming enforcement of tinted glass permit regulations, commencing 2nd October 2025, must not be turned into a money-making scheme. He reminded officers of the clear directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, that any officer found culpable will face decisive disciplinary measures.
He charged Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in border communities with Kogi, Edo, and Osun States to be extra vigilant, heighten surveillance, liaise with non-state actors for credible intelligence, and be alert to strange or unfamiliar persons who may pose threats. CP Adebowale also restated the IGP’s order that officers must steer clear of civil disputes, including land, tenancy, inheritance, debt recovery, contractual breaches, and domestic disagreements, stressing that these matters fall outside police jurisdiction. Any officer who meddles in them will be sanctioned.
The Commissioner lectured officers on the Police Act 2020, emphasizing accountability, professionalism, and humane treatment of suspects. He ordered regular inspection of cells, reminded officers that torture and ill-treatment are prohibited, and urged strict adherence to international best practices.
In recognition of the Command’s collective dedication, CP Adebowale dedicated his recent award from the African Youth Development Parliament to the Inspector-General of Police, praising the IGP’s support and morale-boosting initiatives that continue to strengthen the fight against crime in Ondo State.
He further presented awards to CSP Oladapo William, Divisional Police Officer of Ikare Division, for his outstanding leadership in crime prevention and operational successes, and DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, for his professionalism and effective public communication that has enhanced police-community trust. He encouraged others to emulate such exemplary service.
CP Adebowale further drew attention to the IGP’s directive on a trending video exposing corrupt conduct by some officers, particularly extortion, indiscriminate arrests, and incivility at checkpoints. He declared zero tolerance for such acts, warning that offenders will face strict and immediate discipline.
Concluding the meeting, the Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to protect lives and property, pledging professionalism, fairness, and integrity in full alignment with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
Date: 26th September, 2025
