The integrity of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is under serious scrutiny following the weak and questionable handling of the case involving Mr. Benedict Tah, also known as Bishop. This matter is not just an administrative lapse but a potential security risk that exposes the deep rot within law enforcement. If a supposed deserter can still hold on to police accoutrements without consequence, then the security structure of our nation is at risk.
The recent statement by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Command Irene Ugbo, regarding Mr. Tah’s status in the force is not only laughable but also highly suspect. According to the PPRO, Mr. Tah is no longer in the police force because he deserted. However, that statement is legally and procedurally incorrect. A police officer does not simply stop being one by deserting; due process must be followed. Until Mr. Tah is officially dismissed, he remains a police officer by virtue of his identification card, uniform, and other service items still in his possession.
The Nigerian Police Force operates under strict protocols. Officers do not simply walk in and out of the force like employees in a private company. The claim that Mr. Tah deserted should have triggered immediate disciplinary action, including a manhunt for his arrest, retrieval of police property, and legal prosecution for unlawful possession of police accoutrements. That none of this has happened suggests a dangerous compromise within the system.
The question now is: who is protecting Mr. Tah? Why has he not been arrested? Who is ensuring that he remains untouched despite violating police regulations and, by extension, the laws of the land? This issue is bigger than just one officer; it speaks to the credibility of the Nigerian Police Force as a whole. If a supposed deserter can still parade himself as an officer without consequence, what message does that send to the public?
It is disturbing to think that a man who has allegedly abandoned his duty post still has police identification and service materials. The implications of this are severe. He could use these items to extort citizens, impersonate an active officer, or even aid criminal activities. This is why desertion is considered a serious offense in military and paramilitary organizations. It is a betrayal of trust, a dereliction of duty, and an act of disloyalty that should be punished accordingly.
The response from the police authorities so far reeks of compromise. Instead of taking decisive action, they have chosen to downplay the seriousness of the situation. This raises concerns about corruption and internal sabotage within the force. Are there powerful individuals shielding Mr. Tah from justice? If so, who are they, and what is their interest in protecting him?
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 6, and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police must act immediately. This matter should not be swept under the rug. Mr. Tah should be arrested, tried in accordance with police disciplinary procedures, and dismissed officially. Furthermore, he must be prosecuted for unlawful possession of police properties, and his salary if still running should be stopped without delay.
The law must not be selective. There are countless cases where lower-ranked officers have been dismissed and punished for lesser offenses. Why should Mr. Tah be different? The Nigerian Police Force must prove to Nigerians that no individual, no matter how connected, is above the law. If the force fails to act, it will only confirm the growing perception that the institution is riddled with favoritism and impunity.
Beyond Mr. Tah’s case, this issue calls for a broader reform within the Nigerian Police Force. The process of tracking and dismissing deserters should be more efficient. Officers who desert should not only be dismissed but should also be monitored to ensure they do not misuse police identification for criminal purposes. Desertion is not just about abandoning duty; it is about the potential danger such individuals pose to society.
If the Nigerian Police Force does not clean up its ranks, public trust in the institution will continue to erode. Already, the force struggles with a reputation crisis due to allegations of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency. Allowing a known deserter to move freely with police accoutrements only adds to the negative perception.
This case should serve as a test for the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force. Will they uphold their duty and ensure justice is served, or will they allow politics and favoritism to dictate their actions? The Nigerian people are watching, and silence will not be accepted. The law is clear: desertion is a crime, and it must be treated as such.
If the police authorities fail to take immediate action, civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and concerned citizens must rise to demand accountability. We cannot continue to tolerate selective justice. The force belongs to the people, and its integrity must be protected at all costs.
Justice must be served. Mr. Benedict Tah must be arrested, tried, dismissed, and prosecuted. Anything short of this would be an insult to the rule of law and a stain on the Nigerian Police Force. The authorities must do the right thing now before public pressure forces their hand.
Barr. Benard Bisong
A concerned citizen, Writes From Boki