The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strong warning against the unauthorized transfer of ongoing cases and the misuse of public office by certain officers, describing such practices as detrimental to the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized that professionalism, transparency, and accountability must remain at the core of policing.
“The Inspector-General has made it clear that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where the alleged offences occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” Adejobi said. He noted that indiscriminate case transfers create unnecessary delays, impose hardships on those involved, and waste resources.
Egbetokun also cautioned officers against interfering in civil disputes, particularly matters of land ownership, which fall outside police jurisdiction unless a criminal element is involved.
“The police do not have the authority to handle purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal component,” Adejobi explained. “In such cases, investigations must be supervised by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for both the process and the outcome.”
Additionally, the IGP vowed to clamp down on the misuse of police channels for filing frivolous petitions meant to harass or intimidate individuals. He announced new measures to curb this practice, requiring all petitions submitted to the police to include a declaration of authenticity and a statement confirming that the complaint has not been lodged with another law enforcement agency—or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police.
“Going forward, petitioners found to have filed false or malicious complaints will face sanctions for providing misleading information to the police,” Adejobi stated.
To enhance efficiency, Egbetokun urged Nigerians to submit complaints to the appropriate police divisions, commands, or units rather than his office, except in cases requiring review or special intervention.
“The IGP has stressed the importance of directing complaints to the proper authorities instead of his office, except in exceptional circumstances,” Adejobi said. “He also warned against disguising civil matters as criminal cases to manipulate police intervention.”
Reaffirming his commitment to reforming the Force, Egbetokun assured the public that officers who misuse their authority—or attempt to exploit his name for personal gain—will face serious consequences.
“He calls on citizens to trust the police to uphold justice and to report any unethical practices through the appropriate channels. Any officer or individual found guilty of misusing the name or authority of the IGP will be held accountable, including facing prosecution where necessary,” Adejobi concluded.
