IGP Egbetokun ‘Rejects’ State Police, Gives Fresh Recommendation

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has declared that Nigeria is not ripe for state police.

The Police boss made the submission on Monday while speaking at a one-day dialogue on state policing, where he was represented by AIG Ben Okoro.

Backing up his position, the IGP said some state governors may abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of human rights.

He also pointed out the financial requirements for establishing state police, saying the government may lack adequate funds for it.

Egbetokun further said the establishment of state police will may lead to increased ethnic tension, and divided loyalty in the states.

He, therefore, recommended the merging of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to form a department in the Nigeria Police Force instead of creating a state police.

The IGP also said the force needs to recruit about 30,000 police personnel annually to meet the UN requirements for modern policing while also increasing its annual budgetary allocation.

Some Governors Will Turn State Police To Instrument Of Oppression – Falana Warns

A Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has expressed concerns about the establishment of state police in the country.

Falana, who is in support of the development, however, said there is a need for proper legal safeguards to prevent some state governors from utilizing the police apparatus to intimidate and oppress their political opponents.

Naija News understands that Falana expressed his views during one of the editions of Channels Television’s Inside Sources With Laolu Akande.

He highlighted that policing in the country has already been decentralized to some extent, with residential estates and communities employing private security outfits equipped with various weapons to protect their residents.

While Falana acknowledged that state police is timely, he stressed the importance of clearly defining jurisdictions to avoid conflicts and rivalries between security agencies.

Falana stressed that state police should prioritize serving the people rather than being centred around the government.