Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Thomas Lahai is now the police regional commander for the North-West region headquartered in PortLoko town.
AIG Lahai was in charge of the security of Freetown east as regional commander. His immediate transfer from the Freetown East region to Human Resource Department at Police Headquatersis not unconnected to the breakage by thieves into the residence of the Lead Commissioner of the three commissions of inquiry, Biobele Georgewill.
The breakage sent danger signals for the alertness of the security operatives of that part of the country especially AIG Lahai who wore the crown at the time. He resumed duty at Police headquarters following the nullification of his suspension. His assignment at Police headquarters, although transient, was a noble one as he was in charge of all records pertinent to personnel employment, promotions and other benefits.
However, his stay at police headquarters was not destined to last long as he fell foul with the IGP. The strained relationship between the IGP and Thomas Mustapha Lahai revolved around a leaked letter depicting the retirement IGP’s retirement in March this year. The letter went viral on social media platforms-facebook, whatsapp, instagramamong others. The issue of the IGP’s retirement became a subject for ceaseless discussions.
The act did not seem to go down well with the IGP who enjoys a privileged status under the laws of Sierra Leone. The constitution of Sierra Leone which establishes the police service recognizes the IGP as head of the police agency. The constitution also provides for a police council under the Chairmanship of the Vice President deputized, in the council,by the Minister of Internal Affairs. The IGP and DIGP are members of the council with the exclusion of all AIG’s.
The police council according to law, is the highest decision-making body for the Sierra Leone Police. The council exists for the formulation of broad policy guidelines to assist the IGP in the dispensation of his duties. The Police Discipline Regulations, 2001, a code that is binding on all police officers is a product of the police council. Any breach of the code would lead to serious disciplinary measures excluding the IGP.
AIG Lahai through the leakage of the letter portrayed him as clueless of the esteemed position of the IGP who is head of the police agency and a member of the judiciary as undersheriff. The Police Act of 1964 vests the operational command and control of the police force in the hands of the IGP.As undersheriff, the IGP is powerful enough to arrest any person within the state of Sierra Leoneexcluding the President.
Considering the paraphernalia of the IGP’s powers, It only the President who appoints the IGP that has the power to remove him from office as well as the power to notify him of such removal. Few months back, the reverse occurred when AIG Lahai, a subordinate of the IGP released a letter indicating the latter’s retirement. By no stretch of the imagination, the AIG transcended the bounds of his power by embarking on such action. The IGP responded decisively by suspending the erring AIG.
The hullaballoo that emanated from the suspension was heard by State House, the seat of government. The AIG was highly hopeful State House would throw their weight behind him. But, he was left helpless when his suspension was confirmed by State House considering that Supremo(the President) has a military background with no compromise to discipline.
The AIG currently mans the security affairs of the North-West region and he resides in PortLoko town, one of the most politically sensitive towns in Sierra Leone.
The country wishes him well in his security venture and expects positive result with no more suspension.