The Inspector-General of Police,,
Nigeria Police Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House, Abuja, FCT.
Sir,
PETITION FOR IMMEDIATE DISCIPLINARY AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF SP EDAFE BRIGHT, PPRO DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND, FOR PUBLIC MISCONDUCT AND DEFAMATION OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE
We, the Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO), a registered civil society group committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and public integrity, write this petition in the public interest and in defense of the institutional integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.*
Our attention has been drawn to a public and defamatory publication made by SP Edafe Bright, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Delta State Police Command, on his verified social media handle @Brightgoldenboy (X/Twitter).
2. DETAILS OF THE OFFENDING PUBLICATION On his verified X (Twitter) handle, SP Edafe Bright publicly wrote:
“Another Fraudulent and Dishonest Promotion in the Nigeria Police, the recent promotion of Inspectors to ASP were marred with corruption.”
This post went viral and generated several public reactions, including one from a social commentator @AremoBami, who wrote in reply:
“E be like say you go need to dey do diligence check before you post as a PPRO. @Brightgoldenboy said this and your IGP is saying another thing. What’s wrong with you all in the NPF? Please make this make sense abeg SP Bright Edafe PPRO…”
This unfortunate and unverified statement by a serving Senior Police officer not only undermines public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, but also casts serious aspersions on the integrity of the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman Police Service Commission, and the entire promotion process.
3. GROUNDS OF PETITION
We submit that the conduct of SP Edafe Bright constitutes gross professional misconduct, defamation, and a breach of official duty under both the Nigeria Police Act and the Criminal laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A. Breach of the Nigeria Police Code of Conduct and Public Service Rules
As a Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright is the official voice of the Force in Delta State and is therefore bound by strict standards of decorum, discretion, and loyalty.
By making unsubstantiated public statements that portray the institution as corrupt without proof, he has violated the Police Code of Conduct, the Public Service Rules (PSR) – Rule 030402, and Sections 370–372 of the Police Act, 2020, which prohibit public officers from acts that bring the service into disrepute.
B. Defamation and False Publication (Criminal and Civil Liability)
Under Section 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act (Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), any person who publishes defamatory matter is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for up to two (2) years if the publication is false and made knowingly or recklessly.
The statement published by SP Edafe Bright amounts to criminal defamation, as it directly injures the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force by suggesting widespread corruption in promotions.
C. Cybercrime and Abuse of Electronic Communication
Under Sections 24 and 26 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, the misuse of electronic platforms to publish false, injurious, or misleading statements is an offence.
Being a senior public officer, his conduct is further aggravated as it was carried out using a public social media handle that identifies him as an official representative of the Force.
D. Abuse of Office/Misconduct in Public Office His action contravenes Section 98 of the Criminal Code Act, which criminalizes acts done by a public officer in abuse of authority, or in a manner prejudicial to public trust.
4. PUBLIC INTEREST AND DAMAGE TO INSTITUTIONAL REPUTATION
SP Edafe Bright’s public outburst has caused widespread public disrepute to the Nigeria Police Force, creating confusion between the statement of the Inspector-General of Police and that of his subordinate. Such reckless communication erodes citizens’ trust in law enforcement and undermines the morale of honest officers.
If there is indeed evidence of CORRUPTION in the promotion process, the proper channel is through an internal report to the Police Service Commission, Force Headquarters, or anti-corruption agencies, not a public post that tarnishes the institution’s image.
5. OUR DEMANDS
In view of the above, we respectfully demand the following:
- Immediate Investigation of SP Edafe Bright by the Inspector-General of Police, through the Force Provost Marshal and the X-Squad Unit, to determine the authenticity of his allegations and the motive behind his publication.
- Immediate Suspension of SP Edafe Bright pending the outcome of investigation, in accordance with the Police Act, Police Regulations and Public Service Rules, to ensure an impartial process.
- Disciplinary Proceedings for Gross Misconduct, Public Defamation, and Abuse of Office under the Police Service Commission Regulations.
- If the statement is untrue, a recommendation for demotion/dismissal and prosecution under Sections 373–375 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
- If the allegation is true, a full-scale anti-corruption investigation into the promotion process for Inspectors to ASP, with the findings made public.
- A public apology from SP Edafe Bright and official clarification from the Force Headquarters to restore public confidence.
Finally, We trust that your esteemed office will handle this matter with the utmost professionalism, transparency, and fairness that the Nigeria Police Force stands for.
This petition is made in good faith and in the public interest to preserve the integrity of the Force and uphold the rule of law.
Yours faithfully,
Comrade Victor Ojei (“Wong Box Nigeria”)
Lead Activist & National Coordinator
Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO). +234 803 878 5262
CC:
The Chairman,
Police Service Commission (PSC), Abuja
The Minister of Police Affairs, Abuja
The Executive Secretary,*
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abuja
The Chairman,
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer, FHQ Abuja.
Civil Society’s and NGOs Organizations/Media Houses (for transparency and public interest).
