In a decisive move to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has emphasised his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of indiscipline.
A statement from the Public Relations Officers, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday highlighted ongoing efforts by Nigerian Police authorities to root out corrupt officers.
Adejobi announced that several police officers have been dismissed.
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According to the statement, the Force has thoroughly investigated reports against personnel, ensuring justice is served. “Many of the erring officers have been sanctioned, while some cases are still at the orderly room trial level and will soon be concluded,” it reads.
One notable case involved the dismissal of Inspector Adabo Mohammed for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and corrupt practices.
He and five others were implicated in the abduction of a victim in Gwagwalada, collecting N29.8 million in ransom, and another abduction in Tunga Manje, where they received N4.4 million. The dismissed officers have been charged in court.
In a separate case, Inspectors Osagie Efford, Semiu Agbekin, and Francis Ahuen, all attached to the Special Tactical Squad (STS), were demoted after being found guilty of kidnapping and extorting motorists in Abuja.
They intercepted an unregistered Mercedes Benz in Gwarinpa, Abuja, forcing the occupants to part with N29.4 million. Rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu reported the matter, leading to their demotion following a thorough investigation.
“While the monies have been returned to the complainants, the officers were subjected to orderly room trial in line with extant laws and have been demoted,” Adejobi stated.
The statement also noted that several senior officers have been subjected to Force Disciplinary Committee hearings, part of an exhaustive review process to address allegations of misconduct against higher-ranking officers.
“Accountability must be enforced at all levels; several senior officers have been subjected to the Force Disciplinary Committee hearings. These hearings are part of an exhaustive review process to scrutinise and address allegations of misconduct against higher-ranking officers of the Force,” it reads.
“This wave of disciplinary actions is part of a broader initiative to implement comprehensive reforms within the police force. These reforms aim to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms, enhance training programs focused on ethics and community policing, and improve transparency in disciplinary procedures.”
IGP Egbetokun assured the public that these measures are integral to restoring and maintaining their trust, emphasising the NPF’s commitment to fostering a culture of Accountability and respect within all ranks.
He reiterated that the mandate of the Police is to serve and protect with honor and integrity, and all breaches of the core values of the NPF will be met with decisive action to maintain public trust and ensure justice.
However, these measures have not satisfied many Nigerians, who believe that the demotion of the three inspectors involved in the N29.4 million extortion case is insufficient. Critics on social media expressed their frustration, arguing that such officers should be dismissed and prosecuted, not merely demoted.
One user, Dragon Tha Alpha Beta @007Truthseeker, said, “If I read correctly, three others involved were demoted after partaking in 29.4m naira kidnapping and robbery. As long as sins like this can be forgiven easily and forgotten by mere demotion, I doubt Nigeria can truly change.”
Dee Nero commented, “Why would you demote a police officer who stole N29.4 million? Why not dismiss the 3 officers and charge them with armed robbery and kidnapping? I have no doubt that the Nigerian police force under this present leadership is not serious about disciplining erring officers.”
Another user, Bro Obi, questioned, “So, someone stole N20m. All you could do is demote the person, but the one who robbed someone was sacked. Where are the faces of the people who stole the money? Why do you think demotion instead of outright sack?”
Olacube HM posted, “Officers collected N29.4m and were demoted? This is the biggest form of injustice and indiscipline. Such officers should be dismissed and prosecuted. They should be eating watery beans in prison by now. You are bold enough to post this as an IGP statement.”
These criticisms highlight a significant public concern regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the disciplinary measures taken by the Nigerian Police Force.
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