IGP Cautions Police Officers, "We Will no Longer Tolerate Unwarranted Transfer of Cases."

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has expressed significant apprehension regarding the inappropriate and unethical practice of transferring ongoing investigations and the misuse of public office by certain officers and individuals. He underscored that such actions, which compromise investigations and erode public trust in the Force, will no longer be accepted. The IGP has reiterated that the principles of transparency, professionalism, and accountability must guide policing efforts. Accordingly, he has instructed all supervising officers and personnel, especially those in investigative roles, to manage cases with utmost diligence and integrity. He also cautioned that any officer found to be indiscriminately transferring case files or abusing their position will face severe disciplinary measures. The ongoing practice of transferring cases still under investigation between different units without proper authorization has been declared unacceptable. These actions lead to unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on the involved parties, and squander resources. The IGP has firmly stated that investigations should be conducted within the jurisdiction where the alleged offenses took place, unless explicitly authorized by his office. Additionally, the misuse of police authority in civil matters, particularly concerning land disputes, is equally troubling. The IGP has reminded officers that the police do not have jurisdiction over purely civil issues unless there is a criminal element involved. Even in such instances, investigations must be supervised by the state commissioners of police, who will be held accountable for both the process and the outcomes. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has committed to addressing the issue of frivolous or malicious petitions that are intended for harassment or intimidation. Henceforth, all petitions submitted to the police will be required to include a declaration affirming their authenticity and legitimacy, along with a statement indicating whether the complaint has been presented to any other law enforcement agency, and if so, that it has been retracted prior to involving the police. Individuals who are found to have submitted frivolous petitions will be subject to appropriate penalties for providing false information to the police. The IGP has encouraged the public to direct their complaints and petitions to the relevant Police Commands, Divisions, or Units, rather than to the IGP’s office, except in instances that necessitate review, appeal, or special intervention. He emphasized the need to refrain from misrepresenting civil disputes as criminal issues to unduly influence police involvement. In line with his commitment to professionalism, the IGP assures Nigerians of the police force's dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability. He urges citizens to have confidence in the police to administer justice and to report any unethical conduct through the proper channels. Any officer or individual found to be misusing the name or authority of the IGP will face serious repercussions, including prosecution when warranted. ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADOUARTERS, ABUJA. 4TH FEBRUARY,2025.