…Says punishment for mutiny includes dismissal from the Force
The tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is not the subject of any controversy, contrary to the false claims recently published by Sahara Reporters.
Reacting to a publication titled “BREAKING: Embattled Police IG Egbetokun Returns To Nigeria Amid Threat Of Nationwide Police Strike, Protest Over Poor Welfare,” the National Coordinator of the Ndigbo Young Professionals, Ambassador Chukwuemeka Chinonso, described the so-called “nationwide strike by police officers” as misleading, fictitious, and a creation of a failed presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
“Egbetokun is not afraid of any fictitious ‘planned police strike.’ Police personnel are bound by the Police Act 2020 and the Public Service Rules, both of which strictly prohibit their participation in any form of protest, strike, or mutiny.
“There is no controversy regarding Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, as mischievously reported by Sahara Reporters. The tenure of IGP Kayode Egbetokun is governed by Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for a fixed term of four years.
“Additionally, Section 8(a) of the amended Nigeria Police Act affirms that the IGP shall remain in office for the duration stipulated in their appointment letter, notwithstanding the general retirement rules applicable to police officers,” Ambassador Chinonso said.
“We challenge Sowore and his cohorts to publicly identify the fictitious ‘Concerned Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force’ he claims to represent, serving personnel.
“We view the so-called 30-day ultimatum reportedly issued to the government by serving officers as an act of mutiny. Under Nigerian law, mutiny—particularly within the Police—is a serious criminal offence.”
Ambassador Chinonso further noted that under the Police Act (2020), punishments for mutiny include dismissal from the Force, demotion in rank, detention or imprisonment (by an internal disciplinary tribunal or court), and forfeiture of benefits.
“In addition, if any police personnel conspire or incite rebellion or disorder within the Force, such actions could attract criminal charges under the Criminal Code or Penal Code, with penalties ranging from several years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact on national security,” he added.
In conclusion, the group warned the fictitious “Concerned Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force” that under the Criminal Code Act, provisions relating to treason, treasonable felony, and unlawful assembly with violent intent may also apply if any mutinous act threatens the security of the state.
“Treasonable felony (Section 41) is punishable by life imprisonment, while conspiracy to commit a felony (Section 516) attracts up to seven years in prison,” the statement concluded.
