IG Denies Involvement in Alleged Land Dispute, Dismisses Rumoured Rift With EFCC
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denied involvement in the alleged land dispute involving Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family, insisting that the Nigerian Police Force is a professional and disciplined organisation.
A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force noted with amusement the recent allegations made against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with a land dispute involving one Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
Adejobi said the police finds 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.
He 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.
“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.
“Similarly, the assertion that the police are at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfounded, laughable, and without merit,” Adejobi said.
He added that the NPF maintains a cooperative and professional relationship with the EFCC, and there are no conflicts between the two agencies on this extant case or any other matter whatsoever.
According to him, any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between both agencies.
Adejobi noted 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.
Advising the concerned parties to make an official contact through the appropriate channels, Adejobi said the NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed.
He urged the public to disregard these unfounded claims in the media and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence, as the force is committed to promoting peace, unity and progress in Nigeria
