The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has warned that any police officer found to engage in corrupt practices such as extorting the public will be severely dealt with.
The IGP was reacting to several cases involving police officers forcefully collecting money from Nigerians using POS operators and other unconventional means.
In a statement signed by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Friday, he made reference to a case involving officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine who forcefully
extorted the sum of N10m from a group of young Nigerians.
The statement stated that while the money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, the officers involved have been detained and facing orderly room trial.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.
The IGP has however reassured the general public that the force will continue to investigate all allegations leveled against erring officers of the Force thoroughly.
In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector-General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force,” the statement stated.
In order to ensure the officers are up to date with necessary policing skills, the statement added that a workshop has been organised for police officers on child care and effective investigation.
“Similarly, to guarantee that officers within the Force receive adequate training in child care and protection and effective investigations considerate of vulnerable individuals, most especially children in conflict with the law, the IGP has rescheduled the workshop with all Heads of Police investigative units to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The workshop will not only focus on enhancing technical capabilities but also emphasise the essential ethical principles when dealing with sensitive cases in order to have a child-friendly police system in Nigeria.”
The statement further said the workshop will help the officers to be more professional and accountable to the people ‘thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the organisation.’
