Shittu defends Tarpaya, commends probe of alleged extortion

By Damilola Kushimo

The councillor representing  Apena Ward of Isolo Local Council Development Area,  Hon. Shittu Remy has defended the administration of the Nigeria Police, Ago-Okota division under Divisional Police Officer CSP Ladi Tarpaya for honesty and integrity and backed investigation into a video alleging that an officer in the station engaged in corrupt practice.

Reacting to the issue, Shittu, who is also the Leader of the Legislative Arm of Isolo LCDA, said the conduct of the officer alleged to have received bribe to allow a resident beat the lockdown regime was not in line with the standard of probity that the DPO has maintained since she was posted to the division.

Recall that last week a video surfaced on social media where an officer was allegedly  caught in the act of extorting a resident of the community of the sum of N40,000 as a bailout for allegedly flouting stay-at-home order.

“Nevertheless, I will like to reaffirm my confidence in the ability and capability of the Ago-Okota Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Ladi Tarpaya, who has been up and doing ever since her deployment to the division.Her professional conduct in the discharge of her duty as regards security in the locality speaks volume.

He commended the swift response and disciplinary action of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Lagos State Command through the office of the Provost Marshal  which instituted for an Orderly Room Trial (ORT) to probe the incident.

“The co-operation of the division in ensuring his arrest is a testament to the anti-corruption acts that the division and NPF as a security institution stands for,” he said.

Similarly, a community resident who identified himself as Martin Hill added that, “It’s very unfortunate that it has to be in Ago Police Division but honestly speaking, the action did not represent their true professional conduct under the leadership of the present DPO, SP Ladi.”