- Says, Police Have No Jurisdiction Over Civil Matters Unless..
By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, reminded officers of Nigeria Police Force that the institution has no jurisdiction over purely civil matters, particularly in land ownership issues. He warned against frivolous petitions by people to harass innocent citizens, saying it is inappropriate, and those responsible will face appropriate punishment.
Egbetokun noted that only condition that can warrant the intervention of officers in civil matters is when there is an underlying criminal elements.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“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,” Adejobi noted.
According to Adejobi, the IGP also expressed serious concerns over the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases without authorisation and the misuse of public office by certain officers and individuals.
The Force PRO emphasised that such practices, which undermine investigations and erode public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.
“The IGP has emphasised 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”, Adejobi stated.
He further warned that strict disciplinary actions await any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or abusing their office.
“The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources. The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offences occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” Adejobi added.
The Inspector-General also vowed to tackle the issue of frivolous petitions used to harass or intimidate individuals.
“The filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and stating 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. Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the Police.”
To ensure a more efficient complaint process, the IGP urged members of the public to direct their petitions to the appropriate police commands, divisions, or units rather than his office, except in cases requiring review or special intervention.
“The IGP has 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 FPRO said.
“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.”
