Harassment: IGP Puts Measure in Place to Address Filing of Frivolous, Malicious Petitions

. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has vowed to address the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation. 

Egbetokun in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He stated that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police, saying that petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police. 

The IGP urged members of the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention. 

He also stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention.  

The Nation’s police chief also raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misusing public office by certain officers and individuals. 

Egbetokun stressed that these practices which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.  

Adejobi said the IGP has emphasized that “transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing. In line with this, he has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity.”

He further warned that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions.  

According to the IGP, “The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources.” 

The force spokesperson added that the IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office.  

He noted that equally concerning is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership, adding that the IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.  

As part of his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassures Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability.

He calls on citizens to trust the police to deliver justice and to report any unethical practices through appropriate channels. “Any officer or individual found misusing the name or authority of the IGP will face severe consequences, including prosecution where necessary”, he added.