Police To Probe Officials At Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi Elections, Vows To Punish Those Found Culpable

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed an investigation into the conduct of officials of the police force deployed to serve in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states at the just concluded governorship elections.

Egbetokun ordered the investigation due to increased allegations of violence and electoral malpractice levelled by opposition against the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders of the just-concluded governorship polls.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, detailed that, “In another development, however, the IGP notes, with concern, pockets of incidences that occurred during the elections and charged the Electoral Offences Desk Officers, under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to commence immediate investigations into these incidences.”

However, against the allegations of malpractice, the Police boss further said that “the electoral process in the three states transpired seamlessly, defying earlier threat assessment and projected challenges from various quarters. He acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the security personnel in maintaining law and order, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring the safety of citizens.”

Naija News recalls that while Civil Society Organisations commended the security agencies for their conduct at the off-cycle elections that took place over the weekend, they faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to solidify the faith of Nigerians in the country’s electoral process with its conduct at the off-cycle elections.