The Commissioner of the Ondo State Police Command, Donald Iroham, on Wednesday warned vigilante groups operating in the state against the usurpation of police powers through detention, investigation and prosecution of suspected criminals.
Mr. Iroham, who gave the warning during a meeting with members of the vigilante groups in Akure, the state capital, said it was illegal and unconstitutional for any member of a vigilante group to carry out the functions of a police officer under the laws of the country.
He added that it was inappropriate for vigilante groups to prosecute anybody caught during their operations, as their core function is to complement the work of the police by maintaining law and order.
He said, "Vigilante groups are not to penalise an innocent person. It is better for 10 criminals to escape justice than for one innocent person to suffer injustice.
"They must avoid taking side in village politics or in any dispute. They are to maintain law and order at all times and protect lives and properties of everybody that lives in their community"
The commissioner also advised the vigilante groups to exhibit a high level of discipline and display good conduct while carrying out their operations.
Speaking earlier, a consultant to the state command headquarters on vigilante matters, Chris Udeze, said that vigilantes must not go beyond their registered area of operation.
Mr. Udeze also said if a member or group plans to go to another area of operation, it is important to inform the other unit, to avoid working at cross purpose.
He added, "Vigilantes are not to shield criminals from investigation no matter their closeness to the criminal. They must not indulge in the habit of smoking Indian hemp or associating with criminals or prostitutes."
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