Crime is a global phenomenon and a threat to every nation of the world.
Hitherto, crime has crippled most economies and rendered nations underdeveloped. The fight against crime and criminality is a continuum due to endless violations of laid down rules by people. One of the most excruciating situations that Nigerian citizens dread more as a major setback in crime prevention is the negative image of the Nigeria Police Force becoming front-page news. This is because the survival of the Nigeria Police Force largely depends on the confidence and cooperation of the citizens of Nigeria.
To steer the security of the nation in the right course, the Nigeria Police Force must retain not only the confidence, support, and cooperation of the
people, but must equally possess a good name to attract the support. This is because, it takes one ill-conceived decision, misconduct, or mismanagement of affairs to erase the achievements of a lifetime effort, for nothing is more likely to attract the attention of the media than a seemingly impregnable fortress whose name is soiled with scandals.
This is one of the reasons leading the Nigeria Police Force over the years has proven to be a precarious task until the appointment of the inspector general of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, FDC, who perceives policing as a duty requiring the involvement of all and sundry.
Obviously, any individual seeking a quiet life should avoid becoming a Nigeria Police Chief, for it is a position that subjects a man’s stamina to more rigorous tests, nonetheless with a high rate of success when properly executed. IGP Alkali is a unique personality, a man with a difference, a crime fighter, and a visionary leader. Since he assumed his exalted office, he has handled all matters concerning the Force and national security with the utmost sense of responsibility.
If I may recollect, although with some privileged documents, news items, and posts on different social media platforms the professional handling of
the FBI fraud allegation against the same Abba Kyari in August 2021. The suspension and thorough forensic investigation of the so-called super cop
were excellent and commendable too.
Though, up till now, the supervisory agent of the NPF, the Police Service Commission has been playing a kite on the matter. However, that is
another discussion that stares the eye.
Recently, the IGP exhibited yet another high level of professionalism in the ongoing investigation into the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari and four other serving members of the Force. This is evidenced in the decisive steps taken by the IGP in line with the tenets of the law as elaborated below:
On July 29, 2021, the IGP made known to the public the receipt of the allegation and indictment processes from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against DCP Abba Kyari. This was contained in a press release by the then Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.
The Police boss, while reaffirming his commitment to the pursuit of justice, instantaneously swung into action and ordered an internal review of the allegations for necessary actions to be taken on the matter. The IGP further assured his dedication to strengthening the Force’s professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners. The general public was also assured of adequate communication of further developments on the matter.
Consequently, it was gathered that the IGP issued an official query to DCP Abba Kyari and immediately ordered the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) to invite him to make his representation. In addition, DCP Kyari was relieved of his duties as the Head of the Intelligence Response Team and DCP Tunji Disu was appointed to take over the duties and responsibilities of the office.
Furthermore, on July 31, 2021, the Police boss received the recommendations of the FDC on DCP Abba Kyari and promptly reviewed the same. Information at my disposal revealed that he thereafter sent a letter to the Police Service Commission (PSC), recommending the suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, noting that the suspension of the officer was to prevent any interference with his probe. On August 1, 2021, the IGP set up a 4-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, DIG Joseph Egbunike, to probe DCP Abba Kyari and provide recommendations to guide further actions by the Force. The IGP in his professional prowess re-affirmed his commitment to the Rule of Law and assured the general public of the sanctity of the probe.
Emphatically, it is on record that, on August 26, 2021, the IGP received the report of the NPF Special Investigation Panel on DCP Kyari including the case file of the probe, evidence, and findings as well as testimonies from DCP Kyari and other persons, groups and organizations linked to the matter. The top echelon of the Force carried out a careful and expeditious review of the recommendations presented by the panel. Afterward, the IGP, without any cover-up or any attempt to compound the findings, immediately processed and forwarded the report to the Police Service Commission for further actions.
It is hard to describe the rage and frustration when the Nigeria Police Force is vilified in a manner that turns them into lame ducks, in spite of their enormous efforts at keeping the security of lives and property. This becomes more physically and emotionally debilitating, especially when it is established that the criticisms of their performances are unfair. No matter how proficiently they perform, they rarely enjoy the luxury of acceptance by members of the public, as nobody seems to prioritize the cognizance of the rigors of policing a country as large as Nigeria and whose citizens flagrantly disobey the established laws.
The Nigeria Police as the principal law enforcer and lead security agency in Nigeria has been at the forefront in the fight against trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Immediately after the establishment of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in 1989, some intelligent Nigeria police officers were seconded to the Agency and discharged their duties professionally with commendations in the fight against trafficking of illicit drugs. Some of these officers are: DIG, Fidelis Oyakhilome (Rtd), CP Fulani Kwajafa (Rtd), AIG Ba’ppa Jama’re, mni (Rtd), AIG Ogbonnaya Onovo (later IGP, rtd), AIG Iliya Lokadang, mni, and CP Ahmed Giade (rtd). This shows that the Police have been instrumental in combating illicit drugs in Nigeria and IGP Alkali is not an exception to this fight.
Recently, a notice of an allegation of official corruption and tampering with exhibits against the suspended DCP Abba Kyari and four (4) others serving Police Officers was received by the IGP on February 10, 2022, from the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. General Buba Marwa, particularly, in a case of Illicit Drug Trafficking involving international drug couriers.
The IGP in his professional way, responsiveness, and adherence to the rule of law, equally swung into action by ordering an in-house investigation into the allegation against the officers which led to the immediate arrest and detention of DCP Abba Kyari and four (4) other indicted officers without any external influence while one of those, fingered in the deal was reportedly at large. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the findings of the Police in-house probe which established a prima facie case against DCP Kyari and others were made public by the IGP in a press release by the Acting Force spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The IGP consequently issued official queries on February 17, 2022, to the senior officers indicted in the case and equally directed suspension and Orderly Room Trial (internal disciplinary action for junior officers) against the two Police Inspectors that were also indicted. Without delay, the Police boss likewise recommended the suspension of the senior officers amongst the four to the Police Service Commission (PSC) which was confirmed by the Commission in line with guiding principles.
There is a saying that, “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands and he who seeks equity must do equity.” Following the findings of the internal probe panel, the IGP without hesitation ordered the transfer of the case to the NDLEA for a more specialized and impartial investigation devoid of interference. And on February 14, 2022, the IGP finally handed DCP Kyari and the four (4) others over to the NDLEA authorities.
An x-ray of chronicles of actions taken by the Police leadership into the matter has shown that IGP Alkali has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, transparency, patriotism, and high regard for the rule of law. His intervention in the cases has indeed re-echoed his position within and outside the Force as a leader who is committed to entrenching professional ethics and discipline in the NPF and general well-being for our dear Nigeria.
It is crystal clear, without mincing words, that the IGP is a true custodian of the rule of law, and a highly detribalized and focused leader with a
quintessential character worthy of emulation. It has further established that his leadership style gives no room for unprofessional conduct by members of the Force. This means any member of the Force found wanting in any way would be succinctly identified and punished in accordance with the provisions of the law irrespective of whose ox is gored.
The palpable question has always been, why can’t we love and show appreciation to our police family in Nigeria?
Mr. Oluwaseyi Famoofo is an
Adjunct Lecturer,
Southwestern University, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
