The Nigeria Police Force has stated that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has no business interfering with land cases or other civil concerns.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also denied the claims levelled against Egbetokun in connection with a land dispute involving one Bilikisu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
Responding to a media story saying that the IG declined to examine a land dispute issue, Adejobi asked Nigerians to stop dragging the police chief into cases that are not under his jurisdiction.
The Force PRO stated that the claims made in the study were false and unsubstantiated, emphasising that the police only interfere in confrontations where there are definite criminal elements involved.
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.”
Adejobi also dismissed the claim that the police are at loggerheads with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying that the force has a good relationship with the antigraft agency.
He also urged the public to disregard the claims in the media report and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of causing crisis and violence.
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 maintains 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 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.”