The Inspector-Basic of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned towards the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, notably, issues of land possession.
The Drive Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this in an announcement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Egbetokun stated law enforcement officials had no jurisdiction over purely civil issues until there was an underlying felony ingredient concerned.
In accordance with him, even in such instances, investigations should be overseen by the Commissioners of Police accountable for the state, who will probably be held accountable for the method and end result.
The I-G additionally raised considerations over the unwarranted and unethical observe of transferring ongoing instances, and misusing of public workplace by sure officers and people.
Egbetokun stated the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence within the power, would not be tolerated.
He stated transparency, professionalism and accountability should stay the guiding ideas of policing within the nation.
“Consistent with this, all supervising officers and personnel, notably these in investigative models, ought to deal with instances with diligence and integrity.
“Any officer discovered participating in indiscriminate transfers of case recordsdata or misusing their workplace will face strict disciplinary actions,” he stated.
He stated the recurring observe of transferring instances nonetheless beneath investigation between formations with out authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.
Egbetokun stated such actions create pointless delays, impose undue burdens on events concerned and waste sources.
“Instances ought to be investigated throughout the jurisdiction the place alleged offenses occurred until expressly authorized by his workplace,” he added.
Egbetokun condemned the submitting of frivolous or malicious petitions geared toward harassment or intimidation and vowed to deal with the difficulty.
In accordance with him, transferring ahead, all petitions submitted to the police should now embody a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.
He stated the petition should clearly state that the criticism had not been submitted to every other regulation enforcement company.
The police boss stated that if it had, it should have been withdrawn earlier than involving the police.
“Petitioners discovered to have filed frivolous petitions will probably be made to face the suitable sanctions for giving false info to the police,” he stated.
Egbetokun urged the general public to submit complaints and petitions on to the suitable Police Instructions, Divisions, or Items slightly than to the I-G’s workplace.
He stated besides in instances requiring assessment, attraction, or particular intervention.
The I-G cautioned the general public towards framing civil disputes as felony issues to govern police intervention.
