The Kaduna State Police Command has refuted claims suggesting the existence of a kidnapping gang in its formation.
The refutation was contained in statement signed and issued by the command’s spokesman.Mansir Hassan, on Friday in Kaduna.
Part of the statement teads “The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El Rufai’s statement on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioners, Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as Uba Sani’s ” kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police.
He said the former governor of Kaduna State further stated that Mr Sani was remanded in custody by a magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.
“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian Police Force.
“The Nigerian police is an institution created by the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act. These two statutes mandate it to maintain law and order.”
He said in the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate, and constitutional right to arrest and investigate anyone suspected of having committed an offence.
“Individuals, corporate organisations and governments have the constitutional right to lodge formal complaints to the police.
“The police also have the mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence has been committed, such matter will be prosecuted or referred to court.”
Hassan urged members of the public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from malicious allegations against any security agency.
“We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also has the potential of undermining law enforcement agencies.
“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity,” Mr Hassan stated
