Police bail is free – CP Gombe insists

Mr Hayatu Usman, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police (CP) says bail is free, cautioning police officers in the state against receiving money for bail from suspects.

Usman who assumed office as the 22nd CP in the state, stated this at a news conference in Gombe on Tuesday.

He said it was an offence to give or receive money for bail.

Usman said that the command had put in place measures to ensure that no money was received from any suspects for bail in police stations across the state.

“The police have zero tolerance for corruption and that it is in that regard that many officers have either been dismissed or have had their ranks reduced as punishment for engaging in corrupt practices.

“Bail is definitely free; it is an offence for somebody to give or receive money to secure bail as both the giver and receiver are guilty of the offence.

“If you are asked to pay before bailing anyone please don’t pay and don’t keep quiet; report such officers and we will make example of the concerned officer.

“I have made it clear to my officers that corruption has no place in the police.

“I have warned my DPOs and HoDs in that regard and anyone caught will not be spared,” he said.

Usman also cautioned policemen against uncivil acts when dealing with members of the public, adding that the command would ensure that rights of the people were not violated.

“I urge all personnel of the command to eschew corruption and act of indiscipline; the command under my watch will deal with any member of the force caught in accordance with laid down procedures,” he said.

Usman said that he plans to strengthen community-based policing to ensure crimes’ prevention.

He stated he also plans to overhaul crime prevention machineries, strengthen intelligence gathering and take proactive measures to stem the rising crimes in the state.

Usman advised criminals in the state to jettison their criminal acts and embrace the State Government’s skill acquisition programme so that they could become useful to the society.

He commended the state government and residents for their supports, appealing for more support from all stakeholders toward ensuring a safe state where residents were free to carry out their lawful businesses.