The Nigeria Police Force has made it clear that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has no business interfering with land lawsuits or other civil concerns.
The Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, denied the accusations made against Egbetokun in relation to a land dispute between the Yesufu family and one Bilikisu Aliyu, in a statement released on Sunday.
Adejobi asked Nigerians to stop entangling the head of the police force in matters outside of his jurisdiction after a media report claimed that the IG declined to look into a land dispute issue.
The Force PRO emphasised that the police only get engaged in conflicts when there are obvious criminal elements involved, calling the report’s assertions irrational and false.
The statement read “The Nigeria Police Force has noted with amusement the recent allegations made against the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with a land dispute involving one Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
“We find it necessary to address these unfounded claims and provide clarity on the matter, more so that the claims painted the police as an irresponsible, meddlesome, and lawless agency.
“It will be recalled that the AIT in their publication of 10th July, 2024, titled ‘Yesufu Family Seeks Justice As Police Authorities Fail to Investigate Bilikisu Ishaqu’, distorted the facts in the case in question and thus misled the public.
“First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that the IGP shouldn’t be dragged into civil matters such as this land dispute.
“The NPF’s role is primarily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. The police only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved”.
The assertion that the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are at odds was also refuted by Adejobi, who stated that police department and the anti-graft organisation get along well.
Additionally, he asked the public to reject the assertions made in the media article and keep asking the police to get involved in situations that could escalate into crises or violent incidents.
It added “Similarly, the assertion that the police are at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfounded, laughable, and without merit.
The NPF maintained a cooperative and professional relationship with the EFCC, and there are no conflicts between the two agencies on this extant case or any other matter whatsoever.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between both agencies.
“It is also vital to make it clear that if the parties involved in the dispute in question feel aggrieved and require the intervention of the IGP, there are proper channels to follow.
“Instead of resorting to media blackmail and attempting to malign the IGP’s reputation or ridiculing the Police institution, the concerned parties should make an official contact through the appropriate channels.
The NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed.
“The Nigeria Police therefore urges the public to disregard these unfounded claims in media and continue to seek intervention from police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence, as Force is committed to promoting peace, unity and progress in our dear country,” the statement ended.
