The Nigerian Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized that the police do not aid land grabbing but enforce legitimate court orders.

The clarification was made at a two-day capacity training on police reform titled “Citizen’s engagement on police reform in Nigeria, South-South,” organized by the CLEEN Foundation in Port Harcourt Rivers State.

Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, the IGP described land disputes as complex situations, highlighting that police involvement is limited to protecting court bailiffs during the execution of court orders.

To ensure the legitimacy of the orders, the police boss explained that they verify property authenticity with their legal department and confirm whether additional clearance is required from the court.

He explained; “Land grabbing is a serious issue and a dicey situation in Rivers State, normally when police follow people on execution of court orders, we do not give police to the people who have come to complain. The police are to protect the bailiff who is going to execute the court order not for any of the parties.”

Egbetokun also addressed the issue of police misconduct and extortion, urging the public to report corrupt officers.

While acknowledging the ongoing challenges concerning improper police misconduct and extortion, he urged the public to report corrupt officers for disciplinary action as his tenure is ready to crack down on Police Misconduct.

He provided direct phone lines for reporting police misconduct, including the CP Monitoring Unit, CPX Squad, PPRO, and Complaint Response Unit.

Adepoju while speaking on proactive steps by his command, announced plans to broadcast live sessions with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) on radio and television, enabling citizens to engage directly with local law enforcement.

He also warned vigilante groups against detaining suspects, emphasizing that they must hand over suspects to the police immediately.
Meanwhile, CLEEN Foundation’s Acting Executive Director, Peter Maduoma, stressed the need for stronger synergy between the police and communities.

He highlighted the importance of government and public support for the police through adequate funding, better welfare, and community cooperation to improve law enforcement in Nigeria.