IG Warns Officers Against Unauthorised Case Transfers, Threatens Sanctions

Tuesday February 4, 2025 | TheNewsDESK

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, expressed serious concerns over the unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases without authorisation and the misuse of public office by certain officers and individuals.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, emphasised that such practices, which undermine investigations and erode public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.

“The IGP has emphasised that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing. In line with this, he has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity”, FPRO Adejobi stated.

IGP further warned that strict disciplinary actions await any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or abusing their office.

“The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources. The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offences occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” FPRO added.

The statement also addressed concerns over the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in land ownership matters.

“The IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome,” ACP Adejobi noted.