By Adewole Kehinde
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun is one leader who has demonstrated remarkable transformation. As a fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) and with over thirty years of policing experience, Egbetokun has used his expertise in conflict management to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and coexistence with the PSC and other sister security agencies for the benefit of the Nigeria Police
Egbetokun’s leadership style demonstrates the effectiveness of teamwork, perseverance, accountability, and proactive involvement in tackling systemic and institutional issues.
Through the development of trust, the resolution of institutional disputes, and the implementation of progressive reforms, he is creating a police force that is not only more numerous but also more professional, complies with the rule of law, is service-oriented, amiable, and focused on the community.
His capacity to bring stakeholders together around a shared goal gives optimism for a more cohesive and successful police force that can uphold institutional excellence and national security.
On Tuesday, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, raised serious concerns about certain officers’ and individuals’ use of public office and the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases without permission.
The IGP warns that actions that jeopardise investigations and undermine public confidence in the Force will no longer be accepted.
He emphasised the need for accountability, professionalism, and transparency to continue to be the cornerstones of policy.
As a result, Egbetokun has instructed all supervising officers and staff, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with care and integrity.
He also stated that any officer who is found to be transferring case files negligently or abusing their position would be subject to serious disciplinary measures.
It is not acceptable for cases that are still being investigated to be frequently transferred between formations without permission. Such actions not only waste resources, but also cause unnecessary delays and place an excessive burden on all parties involved.
According to a statement by the Force PRO, Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police has made it clear that cases should be investigated in the area where the alleged offences took place unless his office has given specific permission to do otherwise.”
I am happy that the IGP is also addressing the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly those that involve land ownership.
He reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, research must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.
Egbetokun also committed to deal with the issue of frivolous petitions that are used to intimidate or harass individuals.
The IGP has also committed to deal with the problem of malicious or unfounded petitions that are submitted to harass or intimidating individuals. From now on, every petition that is submitted to the police must include a statement confirming its legitimacy and authenticity. It must also include a statement saying that the complaint has not been filed with any other law enforcement agency or if it has, that it was withdrawn before the police were involved.
Petitioners who are found to have submitted petitions that lack a basis will be subject to the appropriate penalties for providing the police with misleading information.
The IGP recommended that the public submit their petitions to the appropriate police commands, divisions, or units instead of his office to ensure a more effective complaint process, except in cases that require review or special intervention.
He has also recommended that, except situations that require review, appeal, or special intervention, the public should direct their complaints and petitions to the appropriate police commands, divisions, or units instead of the IGP’s office. He also stressed the importance of not portraying civil disputes as criminal ones to control police intervention.
Egbetoku reassured Nigerians that the Force is dedicated to being accountable and transparent, which is part of his professionalism.
He encourages people to trust law enforcement to enforce the law and to report any unethical behaviour through the appropriate channels.
Any officer or individual who is found to be abusing the name or authority of the IGP will face severe consequences, including prosecution if necessary.
