Kehinde Fajobi
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned alleged extortions by police officers in various parts of the country, vowing to enforce “severe” punishment for any officer found guilty of corruption.
The IGP’s remarks follow accusations that officers from Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, including ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine, extorted ₦10 million from a group of young Nigerians.
A statement from the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, on Friday confirmed that the extorted money had been recovered by the newly appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16.
The officers involved have been detained and are undergoing an 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,”
Adejobi said, emphasizing that all allegations of extortion and abuse of power are being taken seriously.
The IGP reiterated his commitment to addressing any complaints thoroughly, stating, “The IGP has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable.”
This approach, he added, is intended to deter officers from compromising the integrity of the Force.
In addition to addressing corruption, the IGP has scheduled a workshop on child care and effective investigation for police officers, focusing on enhancing their skills in dealing with vulnerable individuals, particularly children in conflict with the law.
The workshop is set for 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,” Adejobi said.
The aim, he added, is to foster a child-friendly police system in Nigeria, promoting professionalism, accountability, and strengthening public trust in the police.