Ronke Kehinde/
Crime fighting and investigations in Nigeria is a male dominated world.
So, it was a surprise when a woman was appointed as Head of the busiest State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID) in Africa’s most populous nation handling hundreds of cases.
The appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Yetunde Longe marked the first time a woman would be in charge at the SCIID on MAK Smith Street (formerly known as Panti), in Yaba, Lagos, since it was established in 1977. The Department has actually existed for over 70 years starting as a Regional CID.
Decency and efficiency are the two words that would adequately define DCP Longe.
Keeping a tradition of excellence instituted by retired CP Olayinka Balogun, who headed and transformed the SCIID between 2005 and 2007, DCP Longe has ultimately showed that women are just as capable of leading armies and nations as men are.
She has added increased cosmetics to the face of the SCIID environment and much substance to the operations of the various sections under her, which includes: Homicide, Anti-Robbery, Anti-Fraud, X-Squad, Legal and Human Rights.
Going by what people say, DCP Longe came equipped with a sharp mind, top-notch detective skills, and an uncanny ability to speedily nail criminals and quickly prosecute them.
She has received accolades for several accomplishments, especially in homicide cases.
One of the celebrated murder mysteries speedily solved by DCP Longe is that of the late boss of Credit Switch Technology, Ope Bademosi, whose wife was being accused of killing or masterminding the murder of her husband. Two days after the murder, detectives from SCIID arrested the Togolese cook, Sunday Adefonou Anani, in Ondo, about 879km away from Lagos.
They found that the cook who had only spent a few days working in the household had fled after stabbing Bademosi to death when the wife was not at home.
On the activities at the Anti-Robbery Section known as D9, DCP Longe once received commendations from the Lagos State commissioner of police for smashing several gangs and recovering arms, ammunition and stolen vehicles.
Although she is friendly with journalists, DCP Longe doesn’t grant interviews. Her works are, however, speaking for her.
“DCP Yetunde Longe is a very intelligent woman and a quiet achiever. She has proven to be a woman of substance, by showing initiative, professional ethics and guided public relations,” says a Lagos community leader, Mr. Alade Abiodun.
NewsmakersNG learnt that DCP Longe has maintained an open door policy and she has been commended for being responsive to calls from members of the public, even suspected criminals now receive fair treatment at the SCIID where they no longer stay longer than necessary in the cells.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the police boss handles detention of suspects personally to ensure professionalism, fairness and justice for all.
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