Kehinde Fajobi
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has cautioned officers against interfering in civil disputes, particularly land ownership matters, unless a criminal element is involved.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, Force spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi quoted Egbetokun as saying that only Commissioners of Police would be accountable for investigating such cases.
He condemned the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases without authorisation, warning that such actions undermine public confidence and waste resources.
“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he stated.
Egbetokun also denounced frivolous petitions designed to harass or intimidate individuals, mandating that all future petitions include a declaration confirming their authenticity and that they have not been submitted to any other agency.
“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he warned.
The IGP urged Nigerians to direct complaints to the appropriate police units rather than his office, except in cases requiring special intervention.
He also cautioned against disguising civil matters as criminal cases to manipulate police involvement.