Bolanle Shittu: Lawyer praises ‘articulate’ police DPO who ‘treats suspects with respect’

A Nigerian police chief is receiving praise online for reportedly treating a lawyer’s client with respect and granting him bail without demanding a bribe.

Bolanle Shittu, a chief superintendent of police (CSP), is the divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of Onikan Divisional Police Headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Iyke Ananuba, a lawyer, said he had an unusually pleasant encounter with Shittu on Tuesday. He shared the story this morning.

“Yesterday I met a very articulate, vibrant and compassionate officer of the Nigerian Police Force,” Ananuba said.

“He is no other than CSP Bolanle Shittu, the DPO of Onikan Divisional Police Headquarters, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

“My client was arrested on the eve of November 30 (Monday) during an investigation for ‘receiving stolen goods’.

“I could not visit the police station on Monday because of the distance from my Mainland base and the supposed attendant traffic gridlock.

“On December 1, at about 9:00 am in the morning, I was at Onikan Divisional Police Headquarters to see to the case of my client and I was amazed at how the officers at that station treated me with respect and attention.

“When I met with the DPO. I was humbled at his articulation, intellectuality and compassion. Mr Shittu is an embodiment of knowledge just like DCP Joki Lasisi, a learned colleague.

“When I asked for bail of my client, he gladly acceded to my request without requesting for any ransom and/or bailout money. Knowing the amount involved in the said case, other police stations would have demanded N100,000 or at least N50,000 before he would be granted bail.

“My client was released on bail without paying a dime even in this critical and recession induced time.

“I mean, we did not pay any money whatsoever and nothing was demanded of us by the officers of the Nigerian Police Force at that station. I could not believe what I saw hence this post.

“Nigerians need police officers like the youthful, gallant, intellectually-oriented and compassionate Shittu in our different police formations.

“With my experience yesterday, there is a great hope for the Nigerian Police Force for the better.”