By Danjuma Lamido
It is unfortunate, yet increasingly common, when people hide under the toga of “legal practitioners” to circulate half-baked opinions clothed in legal language but empty of constitutional grounding.
Such is the case with one Hamza Nuhu Dantani, who recently went on a reckless tirade describing IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as “the worst and most lawless Inspector General of Police ever produced in the history of Nigeria.”
Let me state from the outset: Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, the reality is starkly opposite. IGP Egbetokun remains one of the most law-abiding, constitution-respecting and professionally disciplined Inspectors-General Nigeria has ever produced.
A Legal Practitioner Should Know Better
Since Hamza Nuhu Dantani claims to be a legal practitioner, one would ordinarily expect, at the very least, a basic understanding of constitutional provisions guiding the tenure, powers and operational responsibility of the Inspector General of Police. If he feels so strongly that the current IGP has overstayed or violated his oath, the honourable thing to do, as a lawyer, is simple: approach the courts and challenge the constitution.
That is what real lawyers do. Calling names on social media is certainly not part of legal ethics.
Egbetokun Is Not A Lawbreaker; he defends the law.
Contrary to Mr Dantani’s shallow assertions, IGP Egbetokun has not used his office to abuse the law or violate democratic institutions. The record shows that he has consistently respected procedures, acted on constitutionally allowed powers, and avoided interference in matters outside police jurisdiction.
Only those seeking undeserved attention claim otherwise. Police Did Not Interfere in Kano Anti-Corruption Matters
Another misconception being pushed is the assumption that the police arrested or investigated matters already concluded by the Kano Anti-Corruption Agency. Again, the statement is uninformed.
The immediate past Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji, has personally clarified that the police invited him strictly based on two separate complaints lodged before the police:
One by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the second by Bala Inuwa, former Managing Director of KASCO.
These are legitimate petitions. Any police officer who refuses to act on a legitimate petition would be violating the law.
Does the IGP personally conduct interrogations? Really?
I must confess, I was shocked that someone claiming to be a lawyer would suggest that the Inspector-General would personally interview a suspect. That level of ignorance is embarrassing.
The IGP supervises the entire police system. He does not sit in interrogation rooms asking questions. That is why police structures, commands, departments, and professional investigators exist.
If Hamza truly attended law school, he should at least understand basic procedure.
Conclusion
Instead of calling on President Tinubu to sack a highly competent and professionally disciplined police chief, I would sincerely recommend something far more useful for Mr Dantani:
He needs to return to law school for a refresher course.
Nigeria deserves responsible commentary, not emotional outbursts masquerading as legal analysis.
Danjuma Lamido writes from Yola, Adamawa State. email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
