The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Tuesday, warned officers of the Nigerian police against involvement in land matters.
This is even as the IGP expressed worries over what he termed the “unwarranted and unethical” practice of transferring ongoing cases.
He also caution against the misuse of public offices by certain officers.
Egbetokun, therefore, warned that any officer found engaging in the indiscriminate transfer of case files or misusing their office will henceforth “face strict disciplinary actions.”
This was contained in a statement issued Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He emphasized that these practices “undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force.”
The IGP, therefore, vowed that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
He highlighted that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.
According to the statement, the IGP has already directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity.
Expressing police involvement in land matters, the IGP reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters. He noted that, “unless there is an underlying criminal element. And even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police.” Who, he said, will be held accountable for the process and outcome.
Egbetokun also addressed the issue of filing frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation.
He said, “Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness. And also 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 Or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police.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.”
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