The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has issued a strong warning to police officers. He is concerned about two main issues: the improper transfer of case files and the involvement in land disputes that are not under police jurisdiction.

The IGP called the frequent transfer of ongoing cases “unwarranted and unethical.” He explained that changing case files without a good reason not only disrupts investigations but also lowers public confidence in the police. Officers who do this will face strict disciplinary actions.

According to the IGP, the police should not handle land disputes unless there is a clear criminal element involved. For purely civil issues, the police have no jurisdiction. If a case does have a criminal side, the investigation must be managed by the State Commissioners of Police, who will take full responsibility for the process and results.

Another important issue is the filing of false or malicious petitions. The IGP has instructed that every petition must include a declaration confirming its truthfulness. This declaration should also state that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn. Anyone found filing a false petition will be held accountable and face the appropriate sanctions.

This strong message from the IGP shows his commitment to keeping the police force professional, transparent, and accountable. By addressing these issues, he aims to ensure that every investigation is conducted fairly and that the public can trust the police to work in their best interest.

This new direction is a clear step towards improving the overall efficiency and integrity of policing, reinforcing that every officer must act responsibly and ethically at all times.