Abia Police Commissioner Cautions Officers Against Displaying Crime Suspects’ Faces on Social Media

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has strongly warned officers under his jurisdiction to desist from posting the faces of crime suspects on social media platforms.

CP Isa emphasized that such actions not only violate professional standards but also infringe on the fundamental rights of individuals who are still considered innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The Commissioner further reminded officers that the police force is guided by constitutional principles and due process, stressing that officers must always maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He added that sharing crime suspects’ photographs or videos online before legal prosecution could jeopardize investigations, compromise court proceedings, and potentially expose the Nigeria Police Force to lawsuits. Instead, officers were urged to adhere strictly to established protocols and respect human rights while handling suspects in any case.

In addition, CP Isa issued a stern reminder that officers must refrain from interfering in civil matters. He clarified that the duty of the police is to prevent crime, protect lives and property, and enforce the law—not to meddle in issues outside criminal responsibility. The Commissioner stressed that meddling in civil disputes often escalates conflicts, damages the reputation of the police institution, and creates distrust among the public.

The Abia State Police Command reassured the general public of its commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency. CP Isa reiterated that his administration is determined to ensure accountability among officers while strengthening community trust and cooperation.

This directive aligns with the global best practices of law enforcement agencies worldwide, which emphasize upholding human dignity, avoiding prejudicial exposure of suspects, and respecting the presumption of innocence principle. Citizens are therefore encouraged to support the police by reporting criminal activities through appropriate channels rather than circulating unverified information online.