Hon. Segun Oladokun has expressed concerns over the absence of legal representation during police internal trials, following controversies surrounding the alleged embezzlement of ₦32 million by officers in Zone 7.
Oladokun criticized the system, likening it to a “kangaroo court” that undermines justice within the force.
“The police remain dysfunctional because it acts like a father who cannot protect his children,” Oladokun stated, questioning the fairness of internal disciplinary processes.
He highlighted cases where officers, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a female inspector who reportedly lost her marriage over the issue, were detained for over two months without access to legal representation.
Citing examples from the military, Oladokun noted that court-martial proceedings in the Army, Navy, and Air Force allow accused personnel to bring legal counsel.
“Why is the case of the police different?” he asked, urging Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to reopen and re-investigate the case.
Oladokun suggested constituting an independent team to handle the investigation, allowing accused officers to be represented by either private lawyers or police-appointed attorneys with integrity.
The case has drawn attention due to allegations of evidence tampering by the IGP Monitoring Team. Oladokun emphasized that the implicated officers, described as some of the force’s “finest,” maintain their innocence.
He also warned against the dismissal of these officers, citing their specialized training funded by taxpayers. “The DSP among them is a UK-trained lawyer, and the female inspector has been praised for her brilliance by a professor of law. Why waste such talent, especially during a time of rising insecurity?” he asked.
The police have recently faced scrutiny over multiple controversies, including reports of stolen gold at the IGP’s residence. Oladokun called for a reform of internal processes to restore public confidence and ensure fairness for officers.
