By M. Peter – Jos
The Plateau state police command says it has secured 2,114 convictions out of 2,882 cases it charged to court in the year 2019.
The state commissioner of police, Isaac Akinmoyede disclosed that within the year, a total number of 3,027 suspects were arrested from January 2019 to date in connection with different offences in the state.
Among the number, the CP said 2,882 suspects were charged to court for prosecution and 2,114 were convicted, 768 are awaiting trial while 145 are still under investigation .
His words, “The breakdown of the cases are as follows: Culpable Homicide 55 persons arrested and charged to court, 52 convicted while three are awaiting trial. For armed robbery, 48 persons were arrested and charged to court, 40 were convicted, while eight are awaiting trial, kidnapping, six persons were arrested and charged to court and were all convicted.
“In the case of rape, 71 persons were arrested and charged to court, 67 were convicted while four are awaiting trial. Unlawful possession of fire arms 76 persons were arrested and charged to court , 60 were convicted while 14 are awaiting trail. Theft, 512 persons arrested and charged to court, 399 were convicted while173 are awaiting trial. Other offences, 2120 persons arrested and charged to court, 624 were convicted, 204 are awaiting trial while145 are still under investigation.”
The police command has assured citizens the state of adequate security ahead of the yuletide saying the command has done much within its resources to curb crime rate in the state
As part of efforts to have a hitch free Christmas celebration the CP stated that conventional policemen and specialized operational units of the command numbering 3,300 have been deployed to various strategic points within the state with strict instructions to be polite ,civil but firm in ensuring effective security and safety of travellers and other road users during the yuletide.
According to him, “As part of deliberate efforts to prevent criminal elements from carrying out their nefarious acts which is more prevalent during ember months, the command has intensified the raid of identified criminal hideouts and flashpoints with effective from the month of September, 2019 to date.
“In order to achieve the action plan, the Divisional Police Officers have been charged to provide adequate security coverage and protection of government installations and infrastructure with 24 hours surveillance and patrol of motor parks, points of departure and entry, shopping malls, business plaza and other private and public facilities within their jurisdiction.”
Akinmoyede cautioned against the indiscriminate use of fireworks, bangers, knockouts stressing the baby on them is still on and called on car owners to take security measures in safeguarding their vehicles by getting for themselves either pedal or steering locks in addition to the tracking devices being used.
