IGP Orders Arrest, Investigation Of Officer Over Political Comment In Edo Governorship Election

Abuja, Nigeria– The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the arrest and investigation of a Supernumerary (Spy) Police officer who was caught on tape making unauthorized political comments about the upcoming Edo State governorship election.

The incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows the officer in uniform expressing political views regarding the state’s electoral process.

In a statement released by the police spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that  the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) distanced itself from the comments made by the individual, stressed that the officer is not a regular member of the force but a Spy Police officer hired by a private entity.

The NPF strongly condemned the actions, reiterating that serving officers are prohibited from engaging in political activities, especially in uniform.

According to the statement, ‘’Supernumerary Police Officers are private individuals trained by the Nigeria Police for specific security functions, primarily within their place of employment. They are not on the payroll of the NPF and do not swear to the oath of allegiance like sworn regular police officers, thus they have the right to belong to any political party of their choice and freedom of expression. In this extant case, the Police frowns at the wearing of his official SPY uniform and engaging in political activities.

Adejobi added that the office involved has been arrested for further investigations. We reiterate that his political comments do not reflect the views of the Nigeria Police,

He urged the public to disregard any such statements and trust in the continued commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the rule of law.

In the viral video, the officer could be heard saying ;

‘’They want to make the governance of our state a family affair, an affair between two friends and we Edo people will not allow that to happen and this is the time to bring Obaseki to justice. He has committed a lot of crimes against Edo people. We have spared him because of the immunity given to him by the Constitution. Very soon, he will not have immunity, he will be free and the Edo people will deal with him as we please”