CP Abia Urges Gender Officers to Uphold Professionalism in Handling GBV Case

CP Abia Urges Gender Officers to Uphold Professionalism in Handling GBV Cases

In a renewed commitment to uphold professionalism and accountability in the handling of gender-based violence (GBV) cases, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has charged officers under the Command’s Gender Unit to maintain the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

The charge was delivered during a strategic conference held today at the State Police Headquarters in Umuahia, aligning with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to build a professional, service-oriented, rule-of-law-compliant, and community-friendly Police Force.

In his keynote address, CP Danladi Isa directed officers attached to the Juvenile and Women Centres (JWC) and Gender Sections across the state to ensure all cases are handled with utmost professionalism, sensitivity, and diligence.

He warned against unprofessional practices, including soliciting money from complainants or survivors, making insensitive comments, or attempting to resolve criminal matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

He stressed that all GBV cases must be properly investigated, with mandatory medical examinations and expert assessments to support effective prosecution in court.

The Commissioner also instructed that preliminary investigations must be thoroughly conducted before any statutory transfer of cases to the SCID, to avoid delays and ensure seamless prosecution.

While reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, CP Isa warned that any officer found engaging in unethical behavior will face disciplinary measures.

He encouraged officers to remain professional, law-abiding, and committed to justice, especially in matters involving vulnerable groups.

CP Isa reassured personnel of his full support and urged them to contact him directly when faced with operational challenges.

“Gender-based violence is not only a local concern but also an international human rights issue,” he stated. “We must treat survivors with empathy, dignity, and the seriousness the law demands.”

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), DCP Hayatu Shaffa, delivered a lecture on standard investigative procedures.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, also presented a session on GBV, drawing from her experience during a recent training on social and behavioral change communication and prevention strategies, facilitated by the CLEEN Foundation in July

The conference featured lectures and capacity-building sessions aimed at strengthening officers’ investigative competencies, particularly in GBV cases.