Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed his lawyer to pursue civil legal action against publishers he accuses of defamation over reports linked to his tenure and police procurement dealings, a Force Headquarters source has confirmed.
Egbetokun Cites Misread Silence
Egbetokun said he initially chose to ignore the publications to avoid amplifying what he considered false information, but indicated that his silence had been misread.
"I don't have time for miscreants who thrive only on blackmail. Responding to them will give the falsehoods unnecessary publicity. I know their sponsors and know their motives," he said.
Helicopter Procurement Details Emerge
A source at Force Headquarters said the acquisition of a helicopter followed due process, but that delays in payment disrupted the original terms of the contract. The source said the contractor subsequently requested a variation to the agreement, which was sent for approval.
The source also claimed the contractor later offered to deliver a fairly used aircraft with funds already advanced, but that Egbetokun refused, on the grounds that approval had been granted specifically for a brand-new helicopter. The current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is said to be working to complete the procurement.
Budget Oversight and Routine Purchases
On separate questions concerning feeding and dry-ration payments, sources with knowledge of police funding arrangements explained that the IGP oversees budget allocations across the Force's eight departments, 17 zonal commands, 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory. Routine purchases, including basic supplies, fall under the discretion of individual unit heads and do not require the IGP's direct approval for every transaction.
Officers Defend Egbetokun's Record
A serving senior police officer described the former police chief as someone who did not seek personal gain from his position.
"Egbetokun does not seek gratification from anybody, and you may even get into trouble for trying to offer him gratification," the officer said.
A retired officer who worked directly with Egbetokun echoed that assessment, saying his approach to official processes was consistent throughout his career.
"Egbetokun does not cut corners. He is a man who follows due process to its logical conclusion," the retired officer said.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, had not officially responded to the publications at the time of this report.
