Egbetokun to Nigerians: Don’t allow police officers extort your hard-earned money

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), says Nigerians should not give out their hard-earned money or properties regardless of intimidation by police officers.

Egbetokun spoke in Abuja on Friday at the force headquarters during a meeting with key officers responsible for the internal control mechanisms of the police.

The IGP said his leadership of the police would bridge the trust deficit between the force and members of the public.

Egbetokun called for a prompt dispensation of justice against erring police officers and the implementation of measures to curb unprofessionalism.

“Over the years, we have observed that the conduct of some personnel significantly deviated from the expectations of the force leadership,” the IGP said.

“Officers who are supposed to uphold the value of integrity and upon whom society places high moral expectations are frequently seen breaching the trust placed in them by the public.

“At this junction, I want to emphasise that while we continue to implement internal measures to curb acts of extortion and other vices, the citizens must join hands with us.

“I urge the public never to succumb to intimidation or part with their hard-earned money or properties unjustly.”

Egbetokun urged Nigerians to report infractions committed by police officers to the appropriate authorities.

He also directed the senior officers to make necessary recommendations for personnel who demonstrate acts of courage, integrity, and humanity.