Tag: IGP Egbetokun

  • Family of kidnapped retired director seeks IG’s intervention

    Family of kidnapped retired director seeks IG’s intervention

    The family of Mr Emmanuel Ofobrukueta, a retired director kidnapped in Delta, has urged Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene for his immediate rescue.

    The Principal Partner of Forthright Chambers, Mr Frank Tietie, a solicitor for the Ofobrukueta family, made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja after his law firm submitted a petition to the I-G on the matter.

    According to Tietie, the victim, who retired six years ago from the Post-Primary Education Board (PPEB) in Asaba, Delta, was kidnapped by armed men on Jan. 13 in front of his house in Mosogar, near Sapele, Delta State.

    He stated that Ofobrukueta was abducted on the day he was scheduled to travel to Asaba to process and collect his pension payment.

    “The victim had since been in the kidnappers’ den for the past two months in spite efforts by the Delta State Police Command to rescue him.

    “The victim’s family had been going through pains.

    “As part of effort to rescue the victim, the Ofobrukueta family two days after the incident engaged in some self-help activities including the engagement of a private tracking company to get the victim rescued,” Tietie said.

    He added that a sum of N4,020,000 was paid as ransom to the kidnappers through certain individuals who volunteered to deliver the money to the abductors.

    “Unfortunately, in spite of efforts by his family, Ofobrukueta was yet to be released by his abductors and no word had been heard from him or the abductors even after the ransom was paid,” Tietie said.

    He noted that some Ofobrukueta family members suspected the victim’s close associates, including the ransom bearers, of collaborating with the kidnappers.

    Tietie added that while the victim’s family had begun to lose hope, as solicitors to the family, they remained confident in the ability of the Nigeria Police to handle the case.

    “I urge the I-G to directly take interest in the matter of Mr Ofobrukueta.

    “We believe the I-G has the resources and capable men and women of the Nigeria Police Force to deploy to Delta or any part of Nigeria to ensure that the victim is rescued.

    “The I-G, as a matter of social responsibility on the part of the government, should ensure that Ofobrukueta is accounted for as a citizen of Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Tietie also urged the Delta State Government to take an interest in the matter to ensure Ofobrukueta’s safe rescue, appealing that the victim’s family should not be abandoned.

    He further called on the Nigeria Police and relevant authorities to ensure the rescue of all victims held in kidnappers’ den.

  • Nigerian newspapers review: Uproar as IGP, PSC clash over retirement of police officers

    Nigerian newspapers review: Uproar as IGP, PSC clash over retirement of police officers

    In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with the story of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun clashing with the Police Service Commission (PSC) over the retirement of police officers who have attained the age of 60 or have been in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years.

    One headline captures the fallout of US President Donald Trump’s executive order stopping USAID funding.

    Also, another report looks at the Federal Government’s proposal for a transition from the 6-3-3-4 education system to 12-4.

    Moving over to other Nigerian newspapers, The Guardian leads with a story on lawmakers pushing for the creation of 31 new states amid N11.47 trillion debt by existing ones.

    The Punch’s biggest headline says former lawmakers and groups are faulting the proposal by members of the House of Representatives for the creation of 31 new states.

    The Nation also leads with the story of the proposal for new states.

  • Uproar as IGP, PSC clash over retirement of Police officers

    Uproar as IGP, PSC clash over retirement of Police officers

    ABUJA — The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s order, countering the recent directive of the Police Service Commission, PSC, to officers who have attained 35 years in service or 60 years of age to proceed on retirement, has drawn the ire of senior retired officers, who kicked against the order.

    Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the commission said that the IGP’s comment for further directive does not mean that he rejected the commission’s decision.

    The PSC recently directed officers who have attained 35 years in service or 60 years of age, to immediately proceed on retirement from the force.

    But according to a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 5, 2025, read, “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”

    Recall that last week, PSC’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani said the commission’s order followed a review of its earlier stance at the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, allowing force entrants to use their date of enlistment instead of their initial appointment date.

    The commission cited the inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon spending 35 years in service or reaching 60 years of age as reasons for it’s decision.

    The PSC, however, clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

    Reacting to the IGP’s order, some retired Police officers including Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIGs, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIGs and Comissioners of Police, CPs, insisted that the PSC directive is in line with civil service procedures.

    Meanwhile, some of the officers affected by the PSC directive have dragged the commission to court.

    I don’t see this as IGP rejecting our decision -PSC PRO

    PSC’s spokeperson, Mr Ani, when contacted yesterday on the development, said: “We have conveyed this to the IGP. I saw the signal you are referring to. They mentioned that the IGP said they should hold on for further directives, and I don’t think it contradicts our decision, because there may be something he wants to put in place. They showed up for further directives, and I don’t see this as him rejecting the commission’s decision.”

    It’s about self-preservation – Retired AIG

    A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, who pleaded to remain anonymous told Vanguard: “It’s unfortunate that the Force keeps finding herself in such awkward situations.

    “I believe those caught up in this mess should have been allowed to exit the Force quietly without any back and forth.

    “After all, the Military has been retiring their officers without much fuss about it.

    “I believe these Force entrants should count themselves lucky to have attained their present rank, as they were promoted over and above their peers, who were toiling day and night shifts while they sneaked to study and acquire these qualifications most times without receiving approval to do so.

    “That notwithstanding they want to stay put, claiming so called fresh appointment. The Public Service Rules quoted by the PSC is quite explicit.

    “Most Force entrants usually exit the Force when they attained 60 or 35 years of service, so why the debate about it now?

    “But curiously the IGP is also caught up in the same web, because should these guys leave, the pressure for him to leave might intensify,” he added.

    IGP has no such powers to stop PSC -Retired DIG

    Also, a etired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, who preferred his name out of print, said: “The IGP has no power over PSC on that matter of retirement after serving 35 year or attaining 60 years.

    “What we heard from the grapevine is that vested interests from above, are trying to shift the goal post for political reasons. The institution bears the brunt.”

    It will cause low morale — Retired CP

    A retired Commissioner of Police from one of the northern states, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The IGP’s counter-order is wrong, and it will crash morale. Nepotism is getting worse, and it’s alarming.”

    It will lead to demoralization -Retired AIG

    Also, another retired Assistant Inspector General from the South-West, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The focus on who benefits from legislative changes will lead to demoralization, which is counter-productive to the force’s effectiveness. In our days, even though we were under-funded, we tried not to give prominence to favoritism and nepotism.”

    Affected serving officers sue PSC

    Meanwhile, some Commmissioners of Police, who left upon completion of 35 years but had not reached 60 years, threatened to fight for their recall or monetary compensation, since they were not up to 60 years at the time of retirement.

    But one of them said: “This is playing out because it also affects the IGP. Already, there has been clamour for him to step down, having attained the Civil Service law on retirement.”

    Another retired CP, who simply gave his name as Okey, said: “These reactions suggest that the IGP’s stance has sparked controversy and dissent within the Police Force, with many senior officers opposing the move as unjust and contradictory to the law.

    “Already, four senior police officers, including three Assistant Inspectors-General, AIGs, and a Commissioner of Police, have filed a lawsuit against the PSC, challenging the directive.

    “The lawsuit is likely to further exacerbate the tensions between the PSC and the police hierarchy, which has been simmering since the directive was issued.

    “But it is worthy to note that the Act in question doesn’t explicitly state the retirement age or years of service, but it does mention that a retired police officer may be re-engaged for another period upon application. This re-engagement is subject to the approval of the IGP.

    “There’s a proposal to create special retirement service years or age for police officers, different from the general norm in the civil/public service.

    “It’s worth noting that the Act repealed the Police Act Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, aiming to provide a framework for the police force to ensure cooperation and partnership between the police and host communities,” he added.

  • Retirement: Ignore PSC directive, remain in office, IGP tells police officers

    Retirement: Ignore PSC directive, remain in office, IGP tells police officers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police officers affected by the recent directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) to disregard the order.

    The PSC had directed officers who have served 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire immediately.

    A wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 11, 2025, stated that the IGP “strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction.” Officers were told to comply strictly with this order.

    Last week, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani explained that the commission’s order followed a review of its previous stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, allowing force entrants to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date. The commission cited inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.

    However, the PSC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of IGP Egbetokun.

  • IGP warns against case transfers, misuse of office

    IGP warns against case transfers, misuse of office

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed concern over unethical practices within the Force, including unwarranted transfers of ongoing cases and the misuse of police authority.

    Force PRO, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement highlighting the IGP’s directive for transparency, professionalism, and accountability in handling investigations.

    The IGP warned officers against indiscriminate case transfers and misuse of authority in civil disputes, especially land matters, emphasizing that cases must be handled within the jurisdiction of occurrence unless authorized by his office.

    Key measures include:

    Strict disciplinary actions for unauthorized case transfers

    Limiting police involvement in civil matters unless criminal elements are present

    Mandatory declaration for petition authenticity

    Sanctions for filing false petitions

    Egbetokun also urged the public to channel complaints directly to relevant police units rather than the IGP’s office and vowed strict consequences for those misusing police authority.

    He reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to delivering justice and upholding professionalism.

  • Police to arraign Sowore over #Endsars comments against IGP Egbetokun

    Police to arraign Sowore over #Endsars comments against IGP Egbetokun

    The Police headquarters in Abuja has initiated legal action against activist Omoyele Sowore for comments in social media attributable to him, aimed at “causing breakdown of law and order”.

    One of such comment posted on social media is that, ” The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable!

    It was gathered that Sowore will face three charges of Cybercrime under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    The charges were filed in a suit marked FCH/ABJ/23/25.

    In the charges, the Police said Sowore intentionally and knowingly sent messages through his verified Twitter account, where he referred to the IG as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.”

    It said the publications were false and aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order.

    The charge sheet reads, Count one, “That you, Omoyele Sowore, on December 13, 2024, did intentionally send messages through your verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ calling the Inspector General of Police ‘illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun,’ knowing it to be false and intending to cause a breakdown of law and order.”

    Count two, That you, Sowore made threats intended to incite Nigerians against the Nigeria Police Force and damage the reputation or property of the IG or the force.

    Count three, That you Sowore on December 20, 2024, said: “The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable!

    “He is working tirelessly towards it. Just a matter of time. #EgbetekunMustGo #Revolution.”

    The police added that Sowore’s messages were aimed at causing unrest and undermining the authority of the police.

    Sowore’s arraignment is set to take place before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday with his Defence team to be led by Marshall Abubakar.

    Sowore was arrested on Monday after refusing to accept bail conditions set by the police following allegations of obstructing public officers and cyberstalking.