The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered Force Headquarters to take over investigations into the torture of two women accused of stealing pepper in a market at Ejigbo, Lagos State recently.

Recall that one of the women died from injuries sustained from the torture.

Consequently, crack detectives from the Force Criminal Investigations Department have been deployed from Force Annex to commence fresh investigation into the worrisome incident.

Confirming the IG’s directive in a statement yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba said: “In a decisive resolve geared towards ensuring the speedy delivery of justice, promoting the rule of law, discouraging impunity and defending the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, particularly the alleged victims of the Ejigbo pepper torture, the IGP, MD Abubakar, has ordered an immediate takeover of the case.

“Also, all suspect(s) and all exhibits related to the matter are to be taken over from the Lagos State Police Command by a crack team of detectives from the Federal SARS, (Lagos Annex), Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“The IGP wishes to assure all Nigerians, especially the family of the victims and other relevant stakeholders, that the Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the Ejigbo case.

“The IGP calls on all Nigerians to continually partner with the Nigeria Police, particularly in the area of providing relevant information, promising to protect the confidentiality of all informants and whistleblowers at all times.

“The IGP has commended the media, members of the human rights community, led by Joe Okei-Odumakin of ‘Women Arise for Change’ and all members of the public whose patriotism, advocacy and concern led to the exposure of this atrocious crime.

“Their constructive partnership with the Police has had a salutary effect on the ongoing investigation so far.”

•Text courtesy Vanguard. Photo shows IGP Abubakar.