In a firm move to restore integrity within the Nigerian Police Force, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has warned officers against engaging in land matters or transferring ongoing cases without justification. The IGP’s stern message came on Tuesday, as he voiced concerns over the “unwarranted and unethical” practices that have been tainting the reputation of the force. Egbetokun’s directive follows growing concerns about the indiscriminate transfer of case files, a practice he believes undermines investigations and erodes public trust.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized that officers involved in such misconduct will face strict disciplinary actions. “The continuous transfer of case files, without justifiable reason, weakens investigations and damages the credibility of the force,” said Egbetokun. He made it clear that such practices would no longer be tolerated, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency, and professionalism.

Egbetokun’s statement further revealed that the IGP had instructed all supervising officers and personnel, especially those within investigative units, to handle cases with the utmost diligence and integrity. He stressed that police officers must serve as guardians of justice, ensuring that their actions reflect the public’s trust in the force.

Addressing another critical issue, the IGP also reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over civil land matters unless a criminal element is involved. In such cases, the investigation must be overseen by State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the outcome. This declaration seeks to curb the growing interference of police in non-criminal land disputes, often causing unnecessary delays and controversies.

Additionally, Egbetokun touched on the problem of frivolous or malicious petitions filed for harassment or intimidation purposes. The IGP announced that all petitions submitted to the police will now require a declaration affirming their authenticity, with petitioners ensuring that the complaint has not been submitted to other law enforcement agencies. He warned that individuals submitting false or malicious petitions would face severe sanctions.

With these bold measures, Egbetokun aims to restore confidence in the Nigerian Police Force, ensuring that officers act with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. The IGP’s stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the police force and tackling corruption head-on. The public, however, will be watching closely to see how these directives are implemented and whether they bring about the desired transformation.