IGP Warns Against Police Meddling in Land Disputes, Orders Crackdown on Frivolous Petitions
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters related to land ownership.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, quoted Egbetokun as saying that police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil cases unless there was a criminal element involved.
“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by my office,” the IGP stated.
He emphasized that investigations into such matters must be supervised by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the respective states, who would be held accountable for the process and outcome.
The IGP also condemned the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases indiscriminately, warning that any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face strict disciplinary measures.
Egbetokun stressed that 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,” he said.
Furthermore, he decried the practice of filing frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation. To curb this, he announced that all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity.
“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” Egbetokun warned.
He urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.
The police boss also cautioned against attempts to frame civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention, reiterating that such abuses would not be tolerated.
