Police Crack Down on Indiscipline and Misconduct

Police Crack Down on Indiscipline and Misconduct

By Ayshatu S. Rabo

Sanctions Issued for Erring Officers; Senior Officers Face Disciplinary Committee Hearings.

In a decisive move to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of indiscipline. Emphasizing the mandate of the Police to serve and protect with honour and integrity, IGP Egbetokun affirmed that all breaches of the core values of the NPF will be met with decisive action to maintain public trust and ensure justice.

Following this policy, numerous cases against personnel have been addressed, with many erring officers sanctioned. Some cases are still under orderly room trial and will soon be concluded. For instance, a Police Inspector has been dismissed from service while three others were demoted following thorough investigations that confirmed their involvement in various acts of indiscipline and crime.

Inspector Adabo Mohammed was dismissed for offences including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and corrupt practices. Mohammed, along with five others, was part of an armed robbery gang responsible for the theft of N29.8 million from a victim in Gwagwalada, FCT, and the kidnapping of Ikechukwu Emmanuel Okafor in Tunga Manje, for which a ransom of N4.4 million was collected. The dismissed officer has been charged to court.

Similarly, Inspectors Osagie Efford, Semiu Agbekin, and Francis Ahuen, attached to the Special Tactical Squad (STS), have been demoted to their previous rank of Sergeant for extorting N29.4 million from motorists in Abuja. The incident, reported by Harrison Gwamnishu (@HarrisonBBi18) on the social media platform ‘X’, was thoroughly investigated, leading to the officers’ demotion after an orderly room trial. The extorted monies have been returned to the complainants.

Recognizing the need for accountability at all levels, several senior officers have been subjected to Force Disciplinary Committee hearings. These hearings are part of a comprehensive review process to scrutinize and address allegations of misconduct against higher-ranking officers.

These disciplinary actions are part of a broader initiative to implement comprehensive reforms within the police force, aimed at strengthening internal oversight mechanisms, enhancing training programs focused on ethics and community policing, and improving transparency in disciplinary procedures.

IGP Egbetokun assures the public that these measures are taken with the utmost seriousness and are integral to restoring and maintaining their trust. He reiterated the NPF’s dedication to fostering a culture of accountability and respect within all ranks to ensure that police officers serve with integrity.

Police Crack Down on Indiscipline and Misconduct