Matilda Omonaiye/
Police authorities in Lagos have outlawed sale of alcoholic beverages within all its formations across the state.
The command has consequently ordered the immediate closure of all outlets selling alcohol within the premises of its divisional commands, area commands, barracks and other formations.
Police spokesman, Chike Oti, a superintendent of police, announced this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Oti, it has also become a crime for anyone in the state to offer alcohol to a policeman on duty.
Oti said the decision became imperative to curb the menace of misconduct among policemen under the influence of alcohol.
The statement reads: “Disturbed by the unwholesome behaviour of some policemen after consumption of alcoholic beverages offered them by members of the public, the commissioner of police, Lagos state command, CP Edgal Imohimi, wishes to appeal to the good people of Lagos state to desist from offering or giving alcoholic drinks to policemen in Lagos state command.
“This appeal became necessary in view of the cases misconduct by some policemen after consumption of all kinds free alcoholic beverages given to them by friends, partygoers or those who come to police station for one reason or the other.
“The CP said that henceforth any member of the public who offers a policeman alcoholic beverage would have a lot of explanation to make to the police authority while the drunk officer would face the harshest possible punishment for drunkenness as stipulated in the Police Act.
“If there should be any need to offer them drinks, it must be mineral water or non-alcoholic beverages.
“The commissioner of police is also warns all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to locate and shut down all shops within their barracks, Area Commands and Divisional premises where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed in line with Nigeria Police Rules and Regulations.”
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