In an effort to improve the criminal justice system and standardize investigation practices within the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has directed the simplification of all police investigating processes.
This, according to the head of the police department, would prevent the need for additional investigations to be conducted as a result of indiscriminate petitions and the transfer of cases brought by individuals and groups who have been charged in preliminary inquiries in an effort to obstruct thorough investigation processes and to t
In response to complaints regarding the Force Criminal Investigations Department’s agents randomly transferring cases from Zonal/State Commands and other investigating units of the Force, the IGP gave assurances and issued instructions against parallel investigations and duplication. CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, stated that the the Police boss gave the instructions while going through and handling files and cases.
The Police chief underlined that, despite the fact that such instances have been thoroughly investigated and taken to court, the situation frequently results in simultaneous investigations by other departments, conflicting arrests of people, and inconsistent outcomes.
As a result, the Inspector-General of Police has issued a warning that any transfer or taking-over of cases from Commands/Formations to FHQ-based outfits must only be approved by the IGP in writing, which will serve as the basis for any such action.
The IGP also makes a plea to the populace as a whole to assist the police leadership in bolstering our criminal justice system and cleaning up the process. Additionally, he has vowed to punish any police officers who are shown to have colluded with the defense counsel of those who have been charged or who have otherwise abused the police investigation process.
