The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted the allegations levelled against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over a land dispute involving Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
The Police debunked the allegations in a statement signed by the spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday.
Adejobi made it clear in the statement that the IGP should not be implicated in civil matters while he also addressed the misleading reports from the press.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted with amusement the recent allegations made against the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with a land dispute involving one Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family,” Adejobi said.
“We find it necessary to address these unfounded claims and provide clarity on the matter, more so that the claims painted the police as an irresponsible, meddlesome, and lawless agency.
“It will be recalled that the African Independent Television (AIT) in their publication of 10th July 2024, titled ‘Yesufu Family Seeks Justice As Police Authorities Fail to Investigate Bilikisu Ishaqu’, distorted the facts in the case in question and thus misled the public.
“First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that the IGP shouldn’t be dragged into civil matters such as this land dispute.”
Adejobi said the NPF’s role is primarily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety and will only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved.
Similarly, he said the assertion that the police are at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfounded, laughable, and without merit.
The Police spokesman said this is because the NPF maintains a cooperative and professional relationship with the EFCC, and there are no conflicts between the two agencies on this extant case or any other matter whatsoever.
According to him, any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between both agencies.
Adejobi said it is also vital to make it clear that if the parties involved in the dispute in question feel aggrieved and require the intervention of the IGP, there are proper channels to follow.
He stated that instead of resorting to media blackmail and attempting to malign the IGP’s reputation or ridiculing the Police institution, the concerned parties should make an official contact through the appropriate channels.
The spokesman explained that the NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed.
“The Nigeria Police therefore urges the public to disregard these unfounded claims in the media and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence, as the Force is committed to promoting peace, unity, and progress in our dear country,” he added.
