IGP Egbetokun’s reforms on case transfers, abuse of office a Game-Changer – Group

The Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his bold and transformative reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a statement, the President of JWI, Ilechukwu Obiorah, described the IGP’s recent directives, particularly those addressing indiscriminate case transfers, misuse of police authority in civil matters, and frivolous petitions, as landmark decisions that will reshape policing in Nigeria for the better.

“The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun has once again demonstrated that he is not only a reform-minded leader but a determined and visionary police chief. His insistence on transparency, professionalism, and accountability as the pillars of policing in Nigeria is a strong statement that the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing genuine transformation. These new directives are far-reaching and timely, and we at Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) fully support his efforts to sanitise the system,” Obiorah stated.

The JWI President lauded the IGP’s stance against the unwarranted transfer of case files, which he described as a practice that has hampered justice delivery and contributed to corruption within the Force.

“For too long, Nigerians have suffered from the endless shuffling of cases from one division to another, leading to undue delays, waste of resources, and outright frustration for victims. This unwholesome practice has also allowed some unscrupulous officers to exploit complainants financially. By putting an end to this anomaly, the IGP has shown his deep understanding of the issues affecting policing and his commitment to solving them,” he said.

Obiorah also praised the IGP’s order barring officers from meddling in civil disputes, particularly matters of land ownership, which are often manipulated to serve vested interests.

“For decades, Nigerians have watched in dismay as the police are wrongfully used to settle civil disputes. This has damaged the credibility of the Force and eroded public trust. By clarifying that the police should not intervene in purely civil matters except where there is a criminal element, the IGP has demonstrated leadership and integrity. His directive that State Commissioners of Police must take full responsibility for all investigations is a game-changer that will ensure greater accountability,” he said.

The JWI President further commended the IGP’s introduction of stricter regulations on petitions, which now require complainants to declare the authenticity of their claims to curb the rising trend of false and malicious petitions.

“This is a brilliant step toward ensuring that justice is not weaponized for personal vendettas. Too often, powerful individuals use fraudulent petitions to harass and intimidate innocent citizens, dragging them through unnecessary police investigations. The IGP’s insistence that petitioners must declare the authenticity of their complaints and will be sanctioned if they provide false information is a strong deterrent against such abuse. This move will free up police resources and allow officers to focus on real crimes.”

Obiorah saluted IGP Egbetokun’s overall commitment to police reform, describing him as a leader determined to polish the image of the Force and make officers work harder in line with international best practices.

“IGP Egbetokun is not just making speeches, he is implementing real, actionable reforms that will fundamentally change the way policing is done in Nigeria. His zero tolerance for corruption, his push for transparency, and his resolve to hold officers accountable for their actions show that he is a leader with a clear vision and an unshakable commitment to excellence.

“Under his leadership, officers and men of the Force are now being driven to work harder, more ethically, and with greater professionalism. He is restoring pride in the uniform and ensuring that the Nigeria Police is seen as a force for good, not fear. This is the kind of leadership we need to build a more credible, effective, and citizen-friendly police system in Nigeria,” he said.

The Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) pledged to continue supporting the IGP’s reforms while urging all police personnel to embrace the changes and work diligently to improve security and justice in the country.

Obiorah concluded by calling on civil society organizations, legal practitioners, the media and the general public to support the IGP’s transformation agenda, stressing that a reformed police force is critical to Nigeria’s progress and development.

“We must all play our part in ensuring that these reforms are not only announced but also fully implemented. The Nigeria Police Force belongs to all of us, and we must work together to ensure that it functions as an institution of justice, discipline, and service to the people,” he concluded.