IGP Disu’s Historic Visit to Lagos SCID Brings Succour as 24 Retired Detectives Receive Dangote Shares

Defence

THE historic visit of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu, to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, has brought additional recognition to 24 retired detectives, following a N6 million Dangote shares donation by a businessman.

The businessman, Abayomi Awoboku, Chief Executive Officer of Konstrutum Construction, gifted the retired officers shares in Dangote Refinery and Petroleum in recognition of their 35 years of service to the nation.

Awoboku, who was among the dignitaries at the officers’ retirement reception in September, also engaged a professional investment firm to manage the shares and ensure optimal returns for the beneficiaries.

The gesture followed Disu’s visit to the department and his attendance at the retirement ceremony, where he celebrated the officers for their decades of service to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a video, Awoboku said the donation was aimed at appreciating the retired officers for their dedication and sacrifices while encouraging serving personnel to remain committed to national service.

Reacting to the gesture, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, expressed profound gratitude to the donor.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, paid glowing tributes to I-G Disu and CP Tijani for their leadership and support, which he said had contributed to the department’s growth and the welfare of its retired personnel.

In an appreciation letter to Awoboku on behalf of Tijani and the beneficiaries, DCP Akinbisehin described the donation as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill and support for the police.

“On behalf of CP Tijani and the recently retired officers of SCID, I wish to convey our profound appreciation for your benevolence and invaluable support towards the successful retirement reception organised in honour of our veteran officers.

“Your generous contribution constituted a remarkable demonstration of corporate responsibility, institutional solidarity and enduring goodwill towards the NPF,” Akinbisehin said.

The retirement ceremony, held at SCID, Yaba, brought together senior police officers, dignitaries, colleagues and family members to celebrate the 24 officers who had completed 35 years of service.

The presence of Disu at the retirement ceremony added significance to the occasion as he commended the retirees for their sacrifices and assured them of the continued support of the police beyond active service.

Congratulating the officers, the I-G said their retirement marked the completion of an important chapter in their careers but did not end their relationship with the NPF.

“Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing 35 years of service. This is not the end of everything.
“We will continue to support you, even after service. We appreciate all you did for your fatherland,” Disu said.

Reaffirming his commitment to their welfare, Disu described the retirees as police officers for life and pledged that the NPF would continue to look after them.

The retirees were described as men and women whose 35 years of service were marked by countless hours of commitment to public safety and the protection of lives and property.

Their sacrifices included working night shifts, in heavy rain and on public holidays, often at the expense of quality time with their families.

The event attracted eminent personalities from different walks of life, including the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who attended as the royal father of the day alongside his White Cap Chiefs.

Speakers at the event acknowledged the officers’ contributions to the investigation of complex and sensitive cases handled by SCID, reaffirming the department’s position as a major investigative arm of the Lagos State Police Command.

Tributes were also paid to the spouses and families of the retirees for their sacrifices, including missed celebrations and prolonged absences during the officers’ years of service.

The ceremony therefore served not only as a celebration of the retirees’ decades of service but also as an opportunity to highlight the importance of institutional support, improved welfare and sustained investment in police personnel.

The retirement send-forth initiative, now in its third edition, has become an integral part of the SCID Panti tradition since Akinbisehin assumed leadership of the department.

The initiative was approved by Tijani in line with Disu’s policy thrust of prioritising the welfare of serving and retired police officers.

One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, described his 35-year career as challenging but fulfilling, saying he joined the NPF out of a desire to serve humanity.

Emuerhi, who served in the Prosecution Department, recalled intervening in minor disputes that could otherwise have escalated into more serious conflicts, adding that such experiences strengthened his commitment to public service.

He, however, expressed concern that police officers were not adequately appreciated despite the enormous sacrifices associated with their profession.

According to him, officers are expected to remain available for duty even on weekends, public holidays and during personal emergencies.

“Police work is different. There is no Saturday or Sunday when it comes to protecting lives and property,” he said.

Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who also completed about 35 years in the NPF, emphasised the importance of continuous training, professionalism and respect for human dignity in modern policing.

She urged serving officers to adopt a human face in their interactions with suspects, victims and members of the public, stressing that the protection of human dignity should remain central to police operations.

Awoboku’s N6 million share donation has added a significant dimension to the recognition of the retired detectives, providing them with an investment opportunity beyond their years of active service.

The gesture also highlights the potential of private-sector support in recognising and rewarding public servants who have dedicated their lives to protecting society.

M.P

Tags: IGP Disu