By Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Police Force has denied the involvement of the Inspector General Of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in settling land disputes as well as other civil matters.
Speaking through a press statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also refuted the allegations made against Egbetokun in connection with a land dispute involving one Bilikisu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
Reacting to a media report alleging that the IG refused to investigate a land dispute case, Adejobi urged Nigerians to desist from dragging the police boss into cases that are not under his purview.
The Force PRO said claims made in the report were baseless and unfounded, stressing that the police only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved.
“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.
” 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 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. The NPF’s role is primarily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. The police only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved.
“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. 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 NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed. “-It reads in part
Adejobi also urged members of the public to disregard unfounded claims in the media and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence, as the Force, he noted is committed to promoting peace, unity and progress in the country.
