Failure to install CCTV in Public Places, Ask for Development Levies: Risk Jail Term in Delta State
The security situation in Delta State is set to take a new dimension with the recent directive by the Delta State government to owners of public places, including shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol/gas stations, private parks, event centers, hotels, public and private offices, worship centres, and schools, to install Smart Surveillance Cameras (CCTV) in their premises.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu at the weekend noted that the directive is aimed at providing adequate security in and around public places. Also the government stated that the move was in compliance with an existing law since July 28, 2020, which had been poorly observed.
The statement reads: “As part of measures to provide adequate security in and around public places, the State Government has directed all owners of such facilities to install Smart Surveillance Cameras failing which, the places will be sealed and their owners prosecuted.
“The government said the public places listed in the law include Shopping Malls, Eateries, Cinemas, Supermarkets, Petrol/Gas Stations, Private Parks, Event Centres, Hotels, Public and Private Offices, Worship Centres, and Schools.
“Although the law became operative in July 28, 2020, its observance has been very poor. Thus, the very important help which the surveillance cameras ought to give the security agencies in their professional work of providing adequate security in and around these public places has not been available.
“Therefore, with increasing crime trends, the state government is strengthening existing security arrangements which include the enforcement of this law among other initiatives.
“The SSG gave the prescribed specifications of the surveillance cameras to include for outdoor viewing: 4k bullet CCTV camera 8MP with 50m night vision (show colour at night); 4k Ultra HD Video – captures high quality 4k images up to 20 frames per second. The camera records file with resolution of 3840 x 2160, equivalent to 4 frame.
“For indoor cameras the SSG said it should be 4k 8mp dome IP camera built-in mic, starlight video (shows colours at night, 12vdc or PoE, IP67 Weather proof, Wall/Ceiling/Pole Mount Lens type: fixed focal length, 2.8mm and 4mm.
“While Speed dome rotating IP camera for streets and Roads must be 4k 8mp IP Camera and must have the following features 1/1.8″ progressive scan CMOS, High-quality imaging with 8MP resolution, Excellent low-light performance, 32x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom, Expansive night view with up to 650-foot (200m) IR range. Face capture: up to 5 captured at the same time. Active Deterrence: White flashing light and audible warning can be triggered by certain events, MD 2.0 – Human and vehicle deterrence.
According to the statement, failure to comply with the directive will result in a 2-year jail term and a fine of N500,000 as well as the sealing of the affected premises until compliance is effected.
“The statement assured all Deltans and residents in the state of the government’s strong resolve to protect them, but added that all must play their part to assist government and the security agencies to deliver on this commitment to keep everyone safe and businesses functional.”
Also, the Delta State Law which criminalized the collection of any form of development levies or fees at construction sites, either by members of community development committee, association or community leaders is still in force. The Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a statement on Saturday, emphasized the need for community leaders and residents in the state to obey the subsisting law cited as the “Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018.”
He disclosed that series of complaints lodged with the Bureau, coupled with allegations of acute exploitations trending on social media platforms, revealed that some members of Community Development Association or local Committees constituted by either community leaders or traditional institutions are going about terrorizing private property developers.
Some of the complaints, according to the Bureau’s Director General, include; the use of brute force and coercive strategies to collect all kinds of levies and fees ranging from N200,000 to over N1,000,000 depending on the location and size of building structure indicated in the building plan or project design.
Oghenesivbe further stated that the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, presided over the passage of the Bill as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, as he then was, and subsequently signed into Law in 2018 by the immediate past governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON., adding that those who willfully, deliberately and unknowingly violates the law shall be prosecuted, and such individual or group of persons risks two years or five years jail term upon conviction. According to him,
“The Public and Private property Protection Law 2018, and more particularly at Section 13(1) and (2) which unequivocally protected property developers from being exploited, and went on to prescribe 2 years imprisonment or N1million fine or both for violators and law breakers.
“Similarly, section 11(1)(a-c) and 2(a)&(b) equally prohibits anybody from selling landed property to more than one person, with or without legitimate title, and violators risks 5 years imprisonment upon conviction.
“Collection of all forms of levies, and fees at all construction sites in all 25 local government areas which includes; communities, towns and villages, is prohibited by law, be it 10% from sale of land in form of development (Deve) fee or levy.
“Forceful entry, assault on construction workers/land owner, or trespassing construction sites without lawful authorization by the site or building owner is illegal, against laws in force, and must be avoided.
“Unlawful collection of foundation digging fee, building materials and other unscrupulous act or conduct by members of community development committee or association should be stopped forthwith to avoid running against subsisting state laws in force, the statement added.