IGP has no business in land cases – NPF clarifies

By Adeyanju Esther

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has addressed recent allegations made against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun regarding his involvement in a land dispute between Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.

The NPF’s statement comes in response to claims that have painted the police as an irresponsible and meddlesome agency.

On July 10, 2024, AIT published an article titled “Yesufu Family Seeks Justice As Police Authorities Fail to Investigate Bilikisu Ishaqu,” which the NPF decries as a distortion of facts intended to mislead the public.

The NPF has clarified that the IGP should not be drawn into civil disputes such as the one involving Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.

“The role of the police is to maintain law and order and ensure public safety, and they only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved. The ongoing land dispute does not fall within the NPF’s jurisdiction for intervention,” it said.

Additionally, the NPF has refuted claims suggesting a conflict between the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The Force emphasises that there is a cooperative and professional relationship between the NPF and the EFCC, with no existing conflicts related to this case or any other matter.”

The NPF also stressed that “if parties involved in disputes feel aggrieved, they should use official channels to seek intervention from the IGP or other relevant authorities. Resorting to media blackmail or attempts to tarnish the reputation of the IGP and the police institution is not a legitimate or productive course of action.”

“The Nigeria Police Force calls on the public to disregard these unfounded allegations and to continue seeking police intervention on matters that could lead to crisis or violence,” its statement read.