…Leadership Retreat Trains Members on Penal Code, Criminal Justice System
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogun State has restated its commitment to promoting the rule of law and strengthening community-based policing through capacity building and inter-agency collaboration.
This was the highlight of the 2025 PCRC Ogun State Leadership Retreat and Seminar, which began on Tuesday in Igbesa-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, with the theme centred on legal literacy and security synergy.
During the two-day retreat, PCRC members received intensive training on the Nigerian Penal Code, Police Act, and Criminal Code, with the goal of empowering them to better support law enforcement agencies and bridge the gap between the police and the public.
Ogun State PCRC Chairman, Venerable Dr. Kunle Samson Popoola, told journalists that the retreat was designed to equip members with the legal knowledge necessary to assist the police meaningfully and defend their actions when required.
“Our core duty is to support the police in upholding the law. For PCRC members to be effective, they must understand the law. That’s why we are learning, unlearning, and relearning so we remain relevant and impactful in the society,” Popoola said.
He added that the presence of various security agencies at the event—including Customs, TRACE, and legal experts—reflected the growing recognition of the PCRC as a credible force in strengthening community security in Ogun State.
Commending the initiative, Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by ACP Tanarubo Folashade of the Igbesa-Ota Area Command, urged PCRC members to maintain close collaboration with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and act as their “eyes in the community.”
Folashade praised the integrity of current PCRC members and introduced a new suffix to the group’s slogan, stating, “From today, your slogan should be ‘Service to the Nation with Integrity.’ I encourage you to communicate this to your national leadership.”
Delivering the keynote, OC Legal Henry Obiazi emphasized that ignorance of the law is not an excuse, charging both PCRC members and the public to familiarise themselves with legal principles and uphold the rule of law in all affairs. He lauded the PCRC’s efforts in bridging the gap between the community and police institutions.
The retreat also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals for meritorious service and leadership.
Notable attendees included Mrs. Olajumoke Johnson, Registrar of OGITECH; Deputy Comptroller A.I. Ayam, representing the Comptroller of Customs, Ogun 2 Area Command; and Mr. Ojeku Ojetunj, who represented the TRACE Commander, among others.
The PCRC, through this retreat, reaffirmed its mission to be a service-oriented organisation that plays a vital role in enhancing public safety and justice in Ogun State
