The inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly matters of land ownership.

Mr Egbetokun said this in a statement on Tuesday. Mr Egbetokun said police officers have no jurisdiction over civil matters unless an underlying criminal element is involved.

According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the police commissioner in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

The police chief also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misusing public office by certain officers and individuals.

Mr Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

He said transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

“In line with this, all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, should handle cases with diligence and integrity. Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

Mr Egbetokun said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources.

“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offences occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

Mr Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency. The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.

“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he said.

Mr Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate police commands, divisions, or units rather than to his office except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

He cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. 

(NAN)