By Karen James
Ukpo, March 7, 2025 – The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 13, has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of police involvement in a civil and land dispute, following a petition received by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The petition, which was made public by the PSC through its Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, specifically accuses Inspector James, an officer attached to the Zonal Headquarters in Ukpo, of engaging in a land matter outside the professional scope of police duties.
In response, the Zone 13 Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the directives of the PSC, stressing that officers who defy orders and engage in civil disputes, in violation of professional ethics, do so at their own risk.
This development follows a prior warning issued by the PSC on February 22, 2025, condemning reported cases of human rights violations and police interference in civil disputes in Southeast states. The commission had explicitly instructed officers to refrain from meddling in land matters, debt collection, marital disputes, and other civil affairs, warning of severe consequences for defaulters.
Despite repeated sensitization and training sessions conducted by the Zonal Command in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), some officers have continued to engage in unprofessional conduct. The Command expressed disappointment over the persistent disregard for these directives, emphasizing that such actions tarnish the reputation of the Force.
To address the allegations, the IGP X-Squad has been tasked with investigating the case against Inspector James, and findings from the inquiry will be made public upon completion.
In a further bid to ensure transparency and accountability, the Zone 13 Command has urged members of the public who have grievances regarding police misconduct to report such cases through the Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), CSP Ihunwo Josephine, or by reaching out to the Zonal Public Complaint Bureau (ZPCB) and the Zonal Complaint Response Unit (ZCRU) at the Zonal Headquarters in Ukpo.
The Command reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens in accordance with international best policing practices and human rights laws.
For further updates, the public is encouraged to stay informed through official police communication channels.
