IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, voiced concerns on Tuesday over what he described as the “unwarranted and unethical” practice of shifting existing cases and the abuse of public office by some officers.
Any officer found to be exploiting their position or transferring case files arbitrarily would now “face strict disciplinary actions,” the IGP warned.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the police chief emphasized that these actions “undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force.”
Such actions will no longer be accepted, the IGP pledged.
Egbetokun underlined that the nation’s policing must continue to be guided by the values of accountability, professionalism, and transparency.
The IGP has already instructed all supervising officers and staff, especially those in investigative units, to handle cases with thoroughness and integrity, according to the statement.
Regarding land matters, the IGP reminded officers that “unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome,” the police do not have jurisdiction over purely civil matters.
The subject of submitting baseless or malicious petitions intended to harass or intimidate was also covered by the IGP.
“Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and stating that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police.
“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” the statement added.
