By: Nelson Adebayo Johnson, Media Consultant
Speaking during the commissioning of the Police Forensic Laboratory, the Inspector General of Police said the event marks a significant milestone in the growth and transformation of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, TOCU.
“This is a day that reflects our commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the modernization of law enforcement,” he stated.
The IGP Sellu noted that the facilities being commissioned are not merely buildings or infrastructure, but strategic investments. “They are strategic investments to strengthen our capacity to combat transnational organized crime and other serious criminal activities in Sierra Leone,” he said.
He added that the establishment of the forensic laboratory represents a major step forward for the Police’s investigative capabilities. “It will provide scientific support to criminal investigations, improve evidence management, strengthen prosecutions, and contribute significantly to the administration of justice,” he explained.
According to the IGP, William Fayia Sellu the modern office facility will also provide a better working environment to enhance productivity, morale, and operational effectiveness of personnel.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners for their overwhelming support towards the development of TOCU. “The commitment to building a professional and modern police service continues to inspire the work at TOCU,” he said.
On Police Reform and Neglect
The IGP recounted a personal experience that shaped his commitment to reform:
“There was a time when a mortuary attendant, Dr. Songo Williams, was treating corpses without respect. I saw him kicking cups with his foot in the mortuary. I confronted him and said, ‘Mister, you have no respect.’ His response was, ‘Na policeman.’ I told him, ‘If he is a police officer, so what? You should still show respect.’”
He said bodies had been removed from the refrigerator and placed on the floor. “From that day, I was deeply touched. I said to myself that if I ever got to a position of leadership, one of the things I would deliver is a proper mortuary. I thank God I have delivered that.”
He also noted past neglect of police facilities: “There was also a time in this institution when, to conduct simple laboratory tests, we had to go to other laboratories and pay. Why? Because we had neglected our own laboratory. This police institution has suffered a lot of neglect over the years.”
Health, Training and Infrastructure Gains
The IGP highlighted progress at the Police hospital: “Take our MI Room, for example. It was formerly a Medical Inspection Room… Now, we have invested heavily in that hospital, with support from doctors from Spain, Surgeons in Action.”
He disclosed that the Spanish team has provided free surgical services nine times and will return in September for the tenth time. “The last machine they brought cost fifty-one thousand dollars… To that extent, we are now a teaching hospital in this country. We receive students from the Medical School, College of Medicine.”
He added that an MOU with the College of Medicine now provides free services from doctors at no cost to government.
On infrastructure, he cited the Bo West Regional Police Headquarters and the rehabilitation of Freetown East Regional Headquarters. “We are not getting extra budgetary support from government, so what we do is reallocate from our existing allocations. We cut here, put there. That is how we make sure we deliver on projects of vital need.”
IGP Sellu thanked the leadership of TOCU headed by Rev. Lagga and his deputy for their relentless work. He also acknowledged the Executive Director of the NDLEA, Chief Andrew Jaiah Kaikai.
“I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, our development partners, and all stakeholders… I also wish to recognize and thank the Director of Crime Services, Mr. R.P.G. Robert, Esq., our contractors, and all those who contributed.”
He commended TOCU officers and staff: “This achievement belongs to us all. Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service to our nation. Let us remember that the true value of this facility will be measured by how effectively it helps to combat crime, protect our communities, and serve the people of Sierra Leone.”