Be diligent in handling criminal investigations – New Calabar Zone 6 AIG, Afegbua urges IPOs

Newly appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone Six, Calabar, Rashid Afegbua, has charged all Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) and departments to be diligent, professional, and objective when handling criminal cases.

He spoke while addressing all police personnel in the zone on his second day in office, Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Zonal Headquarters in Calabar.

Consequently, he directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Abiodun Bakare, Esq., alongside Heads of Departments and supervising officers, to ensure strict supervision, proper scrutiny, and quality control of all investigations.

He further reiterated that matters found to be purely civil in nature must not be entertained as criminal cases, irrespective of how they are presented.

He expressed concern over the increasing financial liabilities arising from garnishee orders against the Force, attributing many of them to poorly investigated cases and procedural lapses.

He encouraged officers to remain committed to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force by embracing professionalism, discipline, accountability, integrity, and dedication to duty.

The AIG stressed that the persistent practice of forwarding petitions and transferring case files from State Commands to the Zonal Headquarters without due cause must cease.

He explained that the role of the Zonal Headquarters is to undertake fresh investigations where necessary or exercise supervisory oversight by requesting progress reports on investigations already being handled at the Command level. He warned that any violation of this directive would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.