Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is doubling down on his commitment to rid the police force of corruption, focusing on a recent case where officers allegedly extorted ₦10 million from a group of young Nigerians.
In a forceful statement, IGP Egbetokun called for “severe” penalties for the officers involved, underscoring his zero-tolerance policy toward police misconduct. He emphasised that accountability and justice are non-negotiable priorities as part of ongoing reforms to restore public trust.
The incident occurred at the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and involved four officers identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.
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Following an internal investigation, authorities successfully recovered the funds, thanks to the swift actions of the newly appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 16. The implicated officers have been detained and are currently undergoing an orderly room trial, a disciplinary process within the Nigerian Police Force.
According to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, this incident reflects a broader commitment to eradicating corruption. “The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, is unwavering in its zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct,” Adejobi stated. He also reassured the public of the Force’s dedication to investigating every allegation, with the goal of purging unethical officers and enhancing the credibility of the institution.
In addition to enforcing discipline, the IGP has also scheduled a workshop for November 11, 2024, aimed at bolstering investigative skills and ethical practices, particularly in cases involving children and other vulnerable populations. This workshop, involving heads of police investigative units, will stress compassion and professionalism in handling sensitive cases. By promoting integrity and transparency within the force, IGP Egbetokun aims to foster a culture of accountability that he hopes will restore public confidence in Nigeria’s law enforcement.
