On Wednesday February 24, 2010, the new Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2, Azubuko Udah, said there are still no clear leads in finding the killers of Dipo Dina, the Action Congress 2007 Ogun State gubernatorial aspirant, killed on January 25, 2010.

Speaking on his maiden visit to the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Udah said though some arrests have been made, the police are still dependant on the public coming forward with information to assist them unravel the murder.

“The Ogun State Police Command, which started investigating the case, have been joined by Zone 2 and the Force CID. Some arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. It is just a matter of time. But we need people with information to come forward to help us,” Mr. Udah appealed.

Mr. Udah, who oversees both the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, acknowledged that the Police are deficient in the use of forensic science in investigating crimes. He, however, said for important cases, the police have the option of going abroad to get forensic help.

Receiving the new AIG who was formerly the AIG, Zone 6, Calabar, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, said despite Lagos State being a mega-city having many security challenges, his Command having 28,134 personnel, has been able to reduce crime considerably.

“Lagos, being a mega city, crime is naturally expected to be on the increase. But in the spate of one year eight months, crimes like bank robberies, which were frequent before, are now a thing of the past. We have also successfully cracked all recorded kidnap cases. And we keep saying to criminals to either repent or stay out of Lagos,” he said.

Mr. Akpoyibo decried the “acute accommodation shortage” of police officers, many who, while living outside the barracks, have become victims of criminal attacks. He also asked for more equipment to ensure the current tempo in crime fighting is upheld.

Responding, Mr. Udah said under his watch “the tempo will not only be sustained but crime rate will be lower than in any developed country in the world.” Mr. Udah said it is only police officers “without the fear of God and self-esteem” who are found committing the same offences they are bound to enforce, like extort money from motorists. He said he would deal decisively with offenders.

Mr. Udah also asked the public to give the Police a chance to show they are capable of protecting lives and property by always coming forward with useful information, leads and tips which will assist the Police in their work.

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