….Sanctions Loom for Non-Compliant Officers

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the unauthorized transfer of ongoing cases and the misuse of public office by certain police officers and individuals. He emphasized that such practices, which compromise investigations and erode public trust in the police, will be met with zerpo tolerance.

IGP KAYODE EGBETOKUN

The Inspector-General of Police has stressed the importance of transparency, professionalism, and accountability in policing, according to Police Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. To achieve this, the IGP has instructed supervising officers and personnel, especially those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity. Additionally, he warned that officers found transferring case files indiscriminately or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions.

The Inspector-General of Police has condemned the recurring practice of transferring ongoing cases between formations without proper authorization, labeling it unacceptable.This practice leads to unnecessary delays, imposes undue burdens on parties involved, and wastes valuable resources.

To address this issue, the IGP has issued a clear directive: cases must be investigated within the jurisdiction where the alleged offenses occurred, unless explicitly approved by his office. This move aims to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the police force.

The misuse of police authority in civil disputes, especially in land ownership cases, is a pressing concern. The Inspector-General of Police has issued a reminder that police jurisdiction does not extend to purely civil matters, unless a criminal element is involved. Even then, investigations must be supervised by State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the investigation’s process and outcome.

The Inspector-General of Police has pledged to tackle the issue of frivolous or malicious petitions filed to harass or intimidate others. To curb this, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and stating that the complaint hasn’t been submitted to another law enforcement agency. If a petitioner is found to have filed a frivolous petition, they’ll face sanctions for providing false information to the police. This move aims to prevent abuse of the legal system and ensure that only genuine complaints are investigated.

The Inspector-General of Police is urging the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the relevant Police Commands, Divisions, or Units, rather than sending them to his office, unless they require review, appeal, or special intervention. He’s also emphasizing the need to avoid misrepresenting civil disputes as criminal matters to unfairly influence police action.

The IGP reaffirms the Force’s commitment to transparency and accountability, demonstrating his dedication to professionalism. The Inspector-General of Police urges citizens to have faith in the police to uphold justice and to report any unethical conduct through the proper channels. Additionally, any officer or individual found to be misusing the IGP’s name or authority will face severe repercussions, including prosecution if necessary.