The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, raised serious concerns on Tuesday about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misusing public office by certain officers and individuals. He warned that such practices would not be tolerated.
This statement was contained in a release made available to journalists in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, the IGP emphasized that all practices undermining investigations and diminishing public confidence in the Force would no longer be tolerated.
He stressed that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing. In line with this, he directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity.
The IGP further warned that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office would face strict disciplinary actions.
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The statement also highlighted the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization as unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources.
The IGP categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office.
Equally concerning to the IGP is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership. The statement clarified that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element.
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 IGP also expressed concerns about the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassing or intimidating innocent citizens and vowed to stop such acts with sanctions.
Consequently, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness. Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will face appropriate sanctions for providing false information to the police.
Additionally, the IGP urged members of the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units, rather than to the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention. He stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention.
In his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassured Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability.
He called on citizens to trust the police to deliver justice and to report any unethical practices through appropriate channels. The IGP warned that any officer or individual found misusing the name or authority of the IGP would face severe consequences, including prosecution where necessary.
