The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the arrest of a fake spy police officer seen in a viral video threatening Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the upcoming September 21 governorship poll in the state.
This action followed a statement by Ighodalo*s campaign organization, Team Asue Media Organization, TAMO, claiming that a certain chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, was the culprit involve in viral video.
TAMO said, that within just 10 days to the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, it has strongly condemned the unethical and inappropriate actions of Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from Etsako Central, who was a governorship aspirant in the APC. Agbomerhe, seen in a viral video wearing a uniform of the Supernumerary Police (informally known as SPY police), openly campaigned for the APC while threatening Governor Godwin Obaseki and Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, vowing to ensure they lose the election.
The ‘SPY Police Officer,’ surrounded by APC supporters wearing “MODEN” fez caps, made inflammatory comments about Obaseki and Ighodalo during a press conference and issued threats against the two leading politicians.
In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae on Wednesday in Benin City, TAMO called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action against Mr. Agbomhere, even if indeed and in fact he is even a SPY Police officer.
“This conduct is not only inappropriate and abhorrent but undermines the foundational principles of neutrality and impartiality that are fundamental to the vocation of law enforcement”.
“The primary responsibility of police officers, whether conventional or SPY, is to serve and protect all members of the community, regardless of their political affiliations, beliefs, or backgrounds. As public servants, they are entrusted with the vital responsibility of upholding the law, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of all citizens”.
“Using one’s position to intimidate, incite, and threaten others by engaging in partisan activities erodes public trust in law enforcement and compromises the integrity of the police force, whether conventional or SPY”.
“We unequivocally condemn this behavior and stress that public officials, particularly those in law enforcement, must adhere to the highest standards of conduct. It is essential that our security officers remain neutral and apolitical, focusing solely on their duty to protect and serve. If they cannot be neutral, they should resign from their duty posts. It is even doubtful whether he is truly a member of the SPY Police; it may be a case of impersonation, as he is known to be a former governorship aspirant of the APC”.
“We urge the relevant authorities, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to conduct a thorough investigation into this provocative matter and impose appropriate sanctions, both as a deterrent to others and to ensure accountability for any breaches of duty”.
“Furthermore, training and education programs should be reinforced to remind all personnel of the ethical obligations inherent in their positions”.
“The public deserves a police force that operates with fairness, objectivity, and respect for all individuals”.
“As we approach election day, Dr. Ighodalo remains committed to safeguarding these principles and fostering a community where trust between citizens and law enforcement is paramount,” TAMO said”.
In a swift response on Wednesday, the Inspection General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun ordered arrest of the culprit and investigation of the case.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police is aware of a recent video evidencing political comment by an individual dressed in a Spy Police uniform regarding the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections, which has been circulating on social media platforms.
He said, *the NPF strongly condemns this act and clarifies that the individual is not a regular officer of the Nigeria Police Force, but a Supernumerary (Spy) Police Officer employed by a private company.
*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.
*The individual involved has been arrested for further investigations. We reiterate that his political comments do not reflect the views of the Nigeria Police, and the public is urged to disregard any such statements and trust in our continued commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the rule of law.*
