Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has condemned recent extortion cases involving Nigerian police officers, ordering strict disciplinary action against those implicated ¹. This comes after officers from Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa were accused of extorting ₦10 million from a group of young Nigerians. The accused officers, ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine, have been detained and are undergoing orderly room trial.
The ₦10 million has been recovered thanks to the intervention of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16. This swift action demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating corruption and misconduct.
IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct. All allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with severe consequences for any officer found guilty.
To promote professionalism and accountability, IGP Egbetokun has initiated a workshop on child care and effective investigations, scheduled for November 11, 2024. This training aims to equip officers with skills in handling cases involving vulnerable individuals, particularly children, and build a more child-friendly policing system.
Corruption within the Nigeria Police Force is a longstanding issue, with reports of extortion, bribery, and human rights abuses ². Poor funding and low salaries have contributed to the problem, with police officers earning significantly less than their peers in other countries
The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was established to address funding issues, but its effectiveness remains uncertain ¹. Past reform efforts have yielded limited results, highlighting the need for sustained commitment to combating corruption and promoting accountability within the force.
