By MONDAY IJEH

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has expressed concern over court fines it was being made to pay on matters relating to police operational duties.

A statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, said that the concern was expressed by the acting Chairman of PSC, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi.

She told a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association, led by its President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau who paid her a courtesy visit, that the garnishes were very worrisome.

Ogunbiyi urged the NBA to prevail on lawyers to stop joining the commission in such infractions, as every police officer is legally responsible for his or her actions.

According to her, it is erroneous to sue the commission for breach of fundamental rights of citizens where the commission is not liable.

Ogunbiyi said the Police Act and Regulations were clear on the matter.

“In the individual exercise of his power as a police officer, every police officer shall be personally liable for any misuse of his powers or for any act done in the excess of his authority,” she said.

The PSC boss, therefore, called on the NBA to pass the information to its members to save the commission from the garnishee problems.

She urged senior lawyers to encourage and accommodate younger colleagues, especially those operating at lower ranks.

Ogunbiyi pledged to ensure proper placement of police officers who obtained additional legal qualifications while in service, after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

She appealed to the NBA to seek for the assistance and intervention of the Body of Benchers to get the Faculty of Law in the Police Academy accredited. (NAN)

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