Crime Rate: Lawyer urges govt to equip the police more

By Angela James,————-

 

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Oluseyi Ojo, has called for more equipment of the police to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes in society.

Ojo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the police would not be able to tackle the increasing criminality until well-equipped and motivated.

He expressed worry that armed robbery and other violent crimes were increasing despite legal provisions for stringent and even capital punishments for such offences.

According to Ojo, Section 402(2) of the Criminal Code, Act provides for a death sentence for armed robbery while Section 403(1) prescribes life imprisonment for attempted armed robbery.

He said that efforts to checkmate violent crimes had not yielded the desired results.

“Security and protection of lives and property will improve if the police are well equipped, well paid, trained, and motivated for effective performance.

“Corruption should be seriously tackled by ensuring that culprits are not only apprehended but decisively punished.

“A platform should be created through which the public can report crimes and help investigations,” he said.

He advised governments to increase efforts at engaging the youth in productive activities to divert their attention from crimes.

Ojo urged Nigerians to monitor their surroundings and report suspicious persons and activities to the police.

He listed unemployment, bad peer influence and poverty among factors responsible for the increased crime rate.