Two civil society organizations (CSOs), the Oodua Integrity Group and the Concerned Southeast Transformation Initiative, have cautioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, against dismissing Zone 7 police officers implicated in an alleged ₦72 million fraud case.
In a joint statement signed by Ayodele Fasanmi and Ernest Igwe, the groups called for a thorough reinvestigation of the case, asserting that dismissing the officers could undermine national security efforts.
“At a time when Nigeria is grappling with armed banditry, insurgency, and other security challenges, it is counterproductive to dismiss trained officers for offenses that could be addressed through disciplinary measures,” the statement read.
The CSOs questioned the rationale behind dismissing officers trained with taxpayers’ money for infractions that could be overlooked in the interest of nation-building.
They appealed to the IGP to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the importance of retaining experienced personnel within the force.
Citing historical precedents, the statement referenced senior officers like CP Ali Biu, Danjuma Mohammed, and Sule Yari, who were involved in high-profile controversies but were later forgiven and reintegrated into the police force.
“These officers went on to make valuable contributions, with Danjuma retiring as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Biu as a Commissioner of Police (CP), and Yari still actively serving,” they noted.
The CSOs stressed that dismissing the implicated officers could deprive the police force of critical talent and experience needed to combat Nigeria’s security challenges effectively.
