The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, has reaffirmed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, cautioning Police officers against unlawful interference in civil and land-related matters.
The Commissioner made this known on October 3, 2025, during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Association of Presidents General of Anambra Town Unions Communities at the Command Headquarters, Awka.
The meeting, which focused on strengthening police-community relations, also sought to address the recurring challenges arising from land disputes across various communities in the state.
In his opening remarks, CP Orutugu said the session was convened to enhance collaboration between the Police and community leaders in promoting peace, order, and adherence to the rule of law.
He restated the IGP’s directive that Police officers must desist from interfering in civil matters, especially those involving land ownership, inheritance, boundary disputes, and other related issues.
According to him, such matters are purely civil and should be handled by competent courts of law rather than through Police intervention.
The CP explained that the Police have no jurisdiction to determine ownership of land or adjudicate civil disputes, emphasizing that their role is limited to preventing breaches of public peace and enforcing valid court orders.
He therefore appealed to residents of Anambra, particularly community leaders and youth groups, to always channel grievances through lawful means instead of resorting to violence or self-help.
CP Orutugu noted that the tendency to use force or take the law into one’s hands during land conflicts has continued to cause unnecessary tension, loss of lives, and destruction of property in many parts of the state.
He urged Ndi Anambra to embrace the judicial process as the only legitimate means of resolving civil disagreements, stressing that “justice may be slow but it is sure when pursued through lawful means.”
The Commissioner also called on community leaders to educate their members about the legal boundaries of Police intervention in civil cases, saying that enlightenment would help reduce the number of frivolous petitions to the Command.
Responding, the President of the Association of Presidents General of Anambra Town Unions Communities commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and for bringing clarity to the IGP’s directive.
He assured that all town unions would work closely with the Police to sensitize their communities on the need to maintain peace and obey court processes when disputes arise.
The association’s president further pledged continued partnership with the Command in building a culture of respect for the rule of law across the state.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace, justice, and lawful coexistence in all Anambra communities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command reiterated that it would continue to uphold the IGP’s directive, ensuring that officers act strictly within the confines of the law.
