Police Commissioner David Manning yesterday directed the release of lawyer Laken Lepatu Agilo from police custody.

In a media statement yesterday, he said Aigilo’s release stemmed from a meeting with his commanders.

A fox unit allegedly arrested Mr Aigilo. They locked up him at the Boroko Police Station.

Aigilo alleged the police men assaulted him and locked him up at the cells.

Additionally, he said they released him without laying charges, adding he served 24 hours in cell.

Further, he said they did not return his laptop which he alleged the policemen forcefully got from him. Lawyer Aigilo claimed his arrest was in relation a complaint he lodged with Ombudsman Commission against Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas. It is on Porgera Mine benefits.https://pngsun.com/amp/2021/04/16/enga-governor-referred-to-watchdog/

Commissioner Manning said Sir Peter didn’t lay any official complaint at any of the police stations against Mr Aigilo. 

“I directed the release after meeting with Mr Wagambie, Metsup NCD Superintendent Gideon Ikumu and NCD Zone Commanders. 

Police boss apologised to Aigilo, assuring him they will conduct an internal investigation into his arrest and alleged assault.

Mr Aigilo can seek legal redress should be choose to and that his men will help him in this regard, he said.

Manning said he informed Aigilo that if Sir Peter lodged a formal complaint in the near future in relation to his arrest then Aigilo agreed to make himself available.

INTERNAL INVESTIGATION AND CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Following this incident, Mr Manning called upon the members of the Constabulary to conduct themselves professionally and within the law.

After the completion of the internal investigation, he said he will not hesitate to impose the toughest administrative penalties. That is if it finds that policemen have acted illegally and unethically.

“Hence, should we find the conduct of our policemen to be criminal in nature then we will initiate criminal process against the policemen as well.

“The role of the police force is to enforce the law without fear, favour, malice or ill will. I have no time for ill-disciplined, corrupt, abusive and unprofessional policemen and women,” Mr Manning said.