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

Twenty-four retired detectives of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, have received shares worth millions of naira in Dangote Refinery and Petroleum as part of a goodwill gesture by Abayomi Awoboku, Chief Executive Officer of Konstrutum Construction.

Awoboku, who was among the dignitaries at the retirement reception organised in honour of the officers, also engaged a professional investment firm to manage the shares on behalf of the beneficiaries and ensure optimal returns on their investments.

The gesture followed the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to the SCID, Panti, where he joined other senior police officers and dignitaries to celebrate the retirement of the detectives who had completed 35 years of service in the Nigeria Police Force.

In a video explaining the gesture, Awoboku said the investment was intended to appreciate the retired officers for their years of service and sacrifice, while encouraging serving personnel and the police institution to remain committed to their responsibilities.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, expressed gratitude to the businessman for the gesture.

In an appreciation letter addressed to Awoboku on behalf of the Commissioner and the beneficiaries, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the contribution as a demonstration of corporate responsibility, institutional solidarity and goodwill towards the Nigeria Police Force.

Akinbisehin said the support had added significant value to the retirement reception organised in honour of the veteran officers.

He also acknowledged the presence and leadership of IGP Disu and CP Tijani, noting that their support had contributed to the welfare and recognition of serving and retired personnel of the department.

The retirement ceremony, held at the SCID headquarters, Panti, was attended by senior police officers, traditional rulers, business leaders, family members and other dignitaries.

The event was particularly significant as it celebrated 24 officers who had completed 35 years of service to the nation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Disu congratulated the retirees, describing their departure from active service as the completion of an important chapter in their careers rather than an end to their relationship with the Force.

He assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to support their welfare even after retirement.

“Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing thirty-five years of service in the Nigeria Police Force. This is not the end of everything. We will continue to support you, even after service. We appreciate all you did for your fatherland,” the IGP said.

Reaffirming his commitment to their continued welfare, Disu added: “You are still police officers. For life, you are police officers. And we’ll continue to take care of your welfare. I wish you the best anywhere you go. Thank you so much.”

The Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, attended the occasion as the royal father of the day alongside his White Cap Chiefs.

The gathering acknowledged the contributions of the retired detectives to the investigation of complex and sensitive cases handled by the SCID, regarded as the highest investigation department of the Lagos State Police Command.

The officers were also recognised for the demands of their profession, which often required them to work through the night, during heavy rainfall and on public holidays, frequently sacrificing time with their families.

Tributes were equally paid to their spouses and family members, who endured prolonged absences, missed celebrations and other personal sacrifices associated with the demands of police work.

One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, described his 35 years in the Force as challenging but fulfilling, explaining that his decision to join the police was driven largely by his desire to serve humanity.

Emuerhi, who served in the Prosecution Department, recalled intervening in disputes involving minor offences to prevent them from escalating into more serious conflicts.

While expressing satisfaction with his years of service, he lamented that the sacrifices of police personnel were not always adequately appreciated.

According to him, policing requires constant availability, regardless of weekends, public holidays or 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 approximately 35 years in the Force, urged serving officers to prioritise continuous training, professionalism and respect for human dignity.

She advised police personnel to adopt a humane approach in their dealings with suspects, victims and members of the public, stressing that respect for human dignity should remain central to police operations.

The retirement reception also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of institutional support, improved welfare and sustained investment in the well-being of police personnel.

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

The initiative, according to the organisers, was approved by CP Tijani in line with the IGP’s policy direction on prioritising the welfare of serving and retired police officers.

Awoboku’s decision to provide the retirees with long-term investments in Dangote Refinery and Petroleum shares has added an economic dimension to the recognition of their decades of service, offering the beneficiaries an opportunity to benefit from returns on their investments after leaving active service.