Extortion: IGP Talks Tough, Vows Severe Punishment For Erring Officers
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the Force in some areas, and vowed that strict punishment awaits officers found guilty of such acts.
According to the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s stance comes on the heels of the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, who allegedly extorted the sum of N10m from a group of Nigerian youths.
TheFact Daily gathers 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, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine, have since been detained and subjected to 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”, Adejobi stated.
While reassuring citizens that the force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers of the Force thoroughly, the IGP mandated that severe consequences await any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable. This will serve as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force.
Members of the public are advised to make use of these police helpline and contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram. Citizens can also contact the police by mail via pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and through the police website at www.npf.gov.ng..
Relatedly, the IGP has rescheduled the workshop with all Heads of Police investigative units to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024.
This, according to the Force PRO is “to guarantee that officers within the Force receive adequate training in child care and protection and in effective investigations considerate of vulnerable individuals, most especially children in conflict with the law”.
The workshop will not only focus on enhancing technical capabilities but also emphasize the essential ethical principles when dealing with sensitive cases in order to have a child-friendly police system in Nigeria.
“By emphasizing compassion, transparency, and adherence to modern investigation techniques, the Nigeria Police Force aims to foster a culture of professionalism and accountability among its personnel, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the organization”, he said.
