TRANSPARENT POLICING: Nigeria’s IGP warns against incessant transfer of cases, misuse of office

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

In continuation of his commitment to deepening transparent policing in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

The police chief stressed that these practices, which he said undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.

Making this known in a statement with Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/340 dated 4th February 2025 and sent to The DEFENDER on Tuesday was the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, IGP Egbetokun has emphasized that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing.

“In line with this, he has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity.

“He further warned that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” the statement said.

The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization has been deemed unacceptable, Adejobi said, adding that, “Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources.”

This global online newspaper observed that while the new directives from the distinguished Inspector General of Police are considered capable of rebranding the public perspectives about the Nigerian Police, failure of some bad eggs still within the Force to implement the well intended policy remains the area of fear.

But the Force PRO did not stop at that as he said, “The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office.”

He said, “Equally concerning is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership. The IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and 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 filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and 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.

“The IGP has 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 also stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention.

“As part of his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassures Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability. He calls on citizens to trust the police to deliver justice and to report any unethical practices through appropriate channels. Any officer or individual found misusing the name or authority of the IGP will face severe consequences, including prosecution where necessary.,” said ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, the Force Public Relations Officer, in the 4th February 2025 statement.