The first-ever female Commissioner of Police for the Edo State Command, Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin, on Monday, resumed duties where she warned operatives of the Command against extortion and random searching of phones of the citizens.
CP Enekpen-Otimeyin, who is the 49th Commissioner of Police in the State, said the directive against extortion and searching of phones was from the Inspector General of Police, said such can only be done if it is necessary in the course of an investigation.
The CP, who began her career in Bauchi State in 1992 and has served in various capacities at various Commands across the country, said she would also check against gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children.
According to her, “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 special interest in cases that have to do with gender-based violence that have 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 City, in charge of administration.
“Upon promotion to CP, I was transferred to Force Intelligence Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. From Abuja. I wastransferredd to Edo State as Commissioner of Police.”
On checking of people’s mobile phones, she 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 make sure that the crime level reduced drastically, and I will look at extortion because the IGP has strongly warned against it.
“We are also going to look at gender-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,” the new CP stated.