- Parties involved in disputes should use proper channels to seek the IGP’s intervention, rather than resorting to media blackmail.
- The NPF said it is opened to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force public relations officer (FPRO), says Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP) has no business meddling with land cases or other civil matters.
He was reacting to media reports alleging that the IG refused to investigate a land dispute case.
Adejobi asked Nigerians to desist from dragging the police boss into cases that are not purely in his purview.
“The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has noted with amusement the recent allegations made against the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with a land dispute involving one Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
“We find it necessary to address these unfounded claims and provide clarity on the matter, more so that the claims painted the police as an irresponsible, meddlesome, and lawless agency.
“It will be recalled that the AIT in their publication of 10th July, 2024, titled ‘Yesufu Family Seeks Justice As Police Authorities Fail to Investigate Bilikisu Ishaqu’, distorted the facts in the case in question and thus misled the public,” the police spokesman said.
Stating the role of the police, the Force PRO said first emphasised that the IGP should not be dragged into civil matters such as the land dispute.
“The NPF’s role is primarily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. The police only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved.
“Similarly, the assertion that the police are at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfounded, laughable, and without merit.
“The NPF maintains a cooperative and professional relationship with the EFCC, and there are no conflicts between the two agencies on this extant case or any other matter whatsoever.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between both agencies.
“It is also vital to make it clear that if the parties involved in the dispute in question feel aggrieved and require the intervention of the IGP, there are proper channels to follow. Instead of resorting to media blackmail and attempting to malign the IGP’s reputation or ridiculing the Police institution, the concerned parties should make an official contact through the appropriate channels,” Adejobi said.
He stressed that the NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed.
The statement therefore urged the public to “disregard these unfounded claims in the media and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence” adding that the police is committed to promoting peace, unity and progress in the country.