The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned recent incidents of extortion involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and integrity within the force. This comes after a case involving four officers from the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who allegedly extorted N10 million from some youths.
In a statement released on Friday, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed that the implicated officers—ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine—have been detained and are undergoing an orderly room trial.
“The money has been recovered thanks to the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16,” Adejobi noted.
The IGP made it clear that the force maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for corruption and police misconduct.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct. The Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously,” Adejobi stated.
To reassure the public, Egbetokun emphasized that all allegations against officers will be thoroughly investigated.
“The IGP has, however, reassured the general public that the Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers thoroughly,” Adejobi said.
The statement further outlined that severe punishments would be imposed on any officer found guilty of misconduct.
Adejobi underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the force and called on citizens to hold police officers accountable.
“In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force,” he explained.
The IGP also encouraged the public to report cases of misconduct through established channels.
“The IGP further urges members of the public to make use of the following Police helpline and contacts to lodge complaints whenever necessary,” Adejobi said, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in rooting out corruption within the police force.