The Nigeria Police Force has once again condemned the misuse of the name and office of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by rogue officers involved in fraudulent activities.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, expressed deep concern over the continued unprofessional conduct of certain officers, whose actions tarnish the reputation of the force and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the ongoing unprofessional conduct of a few officers, which not only undermines the standards and integrity of the Force but also erodes the public’s confidence in our ability to serve,” the statement read.
“Despite repeated warnings and disciplinary measures taken against those found guilty, some officers persist in engaging in these shameful acts, particularly the fraudulent use of the IGP’s name and office to carry out illegal activities,” Adejobi added.
The statement highlighted that these officers often use the IGP’s name to intimidate victims, making them believe that the IGP is aware of, or approves, their illicit activities. As a result, many victims are deterred from reporting these offenses for fear of reprisal.
“This tactic is particularly alarming because it exploits the authority and reputation of the IGP to further fraudulent activities, making it harder for victims to seek justice,” Adejobi said.
The FPRO called on the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of police misconduct or fraudulent behavior to the appropriate authorities. He urged Nigerians to contact the heads of the Complaint Response Units (CRUs) in their states or the Commissioner of Police if they encounter such misconduct.
“We advise members of the public to exercise caution when approached by officers or individuals claiming connections with the IGP or any senior police official for the purpose of influence or favours,” Adejobi warned.
This latest alert follows a similar warning issued by the Nigeria Police Force in October, urging Nigerians to avoid exploiting the name or office of the IGP to intimidate others.
The police emphasized that anyone found guilty of these fraudulent practices would face strict disciplinary action, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding integrity and professionalism within its ranks.
