The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning against the rising trend of malicious and frivolous petitions being submitted to the police, vowing to take strict action against those abusing the process.
Egbetokun, in a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also cautioned police officers against misuse of their powers, emphasizing that such misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership.
The IGP decried the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases without proper authorization, noting that such actions disrupt investigations, undermine justice, and erode public trust in the Force.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse of Process
According to the statement, the police chief emphasized that professionalism, transparency, and accountability must be the foundation of law enforcement. He warned that officers engaging in case manipulation, indiscriminate file transfers, or abuse of power for personal or political gains would be met with severe disciplinary action.
“The Inspector-General of Police has raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misuse of public office by certain officers and individuals. He stressed that these practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated,” Adejobi stated.
Egbetokun further clarified that all cases must be investigated within the jurisdiction where the alleged crime occurred unless expressly approved by his office. He frowned upon the growing trend of using police influence in civil matters such as land ownership disputes, insisting that officers must refrain from intervening in non-criminal cases unless a criminal element is involved.
Frivolous Petitions: A Tool for Harassment
A major concern raised by the IGP was the increasing use of petitions as a weapon to harass and intimidate individuals. He condemned the submission of false or malicious complaints, warning that petitioners found guilty of misleading the police would face legal consequences.
To curb the abuse, the police now require all petitioners to submit a sworn declaration confirming the authenticity of their claims. Additionally, complaints must not be simultaneously filed with multiple law enforcement agencies, and if a case has already been reported elsewhere, it must be withdrawn before seeking police intervention.
“The filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness,” the statement read.
Petitioners who submit false information will face prosecution for providing misleading reports, a move aimed at deterring those who use the police as a tool for personal vendettas.
Direct Channels for Complaints
To enhance efficiency and ensure that genuine complaints are handled properly, Egbetokun advised members of the public to submit petitions through the appropriate police divisions rather than flooding his office with unnecessary cases.
“He also stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention,” the statement added.
The IGP reassured Nigerians of his commitment to a professional, transparent, and accountable police force, urging citizens to trust the system and report any cases of abuse by officers.
Reactions and Background
The issue of frivolous petitions has long been a problem in Nigeria, often weaponized by influential individuals to settle personal scores. Many Nigerians have raised concerns over how some police officers allegedly use their offices to intimidate business rivals, political opponents, and even private citizens in land disputes.
Legal experts have also called for stricter measures against the misuse of police petitions, with some suggesting that the courts should play a bigger role in scrutinizing such complaints before they are acted upon by law enforcement.
Reacting to the IGP’s directive, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), welcomed the move, noting that it was long overdue. “The police have been used as a tool for oppression for too long. It is important that the leadership takes a firm stance against frivolous petitions that waste police resources and violate the rights of citizens,” he said.
Similarly, activist and former lawmaker Shehu Sani commended the IGP’s decision but called for its full implementation. “We have heard such pronouncements before, but the real challenge is ensuring that officers on the ground comply with the directive. Nigerians will be watching closely,” he remarked.
Conclusion
As Egbetokun’s administration tightens its grip on professionalism within the Force, the challenge remains whether his directives will be fully implemented. Many Nigerians will be eager to see if this move marks the beginning of genuine police reforms or if it will fade like past pronouncements.
