Authorities

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly, matters of land ownership.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Egbetokun said police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there was an underlying criminal element involved.

According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

The I-G also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases, and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

He said transparency, professionalism and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

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

“Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

Egbetokun  said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved and waste resources.

“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency.

The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.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,” he said.

Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the I-G’s office.

He said except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

The I-G cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joseph Edeh