Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM,
The Inspector-General of Police,
Nigeria Police Force Headquarters,
Abuja FCT.
Attention:
The Force Disciplinary Committee,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Sir,.
Subject: Demand for Disciplinary and/or Dismissal Action against SP Edafe Bright, PPRO Delta State Police Command, for Unethical Conduct, Misconduct and Breach of Police Regulations via Social Media Gambling Activity
Background/Facts:
As advocates, we have discovered via social media (notably the Twitter handle @brightgoldenboy) that SP Edafe Bright, Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Delta State Police Command, is engaging in gambling activities (online or via betting games) that are publicly displayed, promoted, or otherwise visible via his digital/social media footprint.
Gambling by a Police officer, especially one in a public and prominent position, raises serious concerns of ethics, misconduct, damage to public trust, and the likelihood of distraction from duty.
Precedents exist in Nigeria where police personnel have been disciplined (including dismissal, demotion, or forced resignation) for gambling, gambling‐related conduct, or unprofessional behavior on duty involving gambling (“Baba Ijebu” etc.). For example:
In Lagos State Police Command, policemen caught gambling (“counting coupons”, alleged to be “Baba Ijebu”) while on duty were arrested and faced disciplinary action, including risk of dismissal.
In general, many officers are currently or have been before the Force Disciplinary Committee for misconduct, discipline, professional conduct breaches.
Legal/Regulatory Authorities
To hold SP Edafe Bright accountable, the following laws, regulations and policies are relevant:
- Nigeria Police Act, 2020
Part XVI – Police Public Complaints and Discipline (Section 133) provides that:
The Unit shall receive complaints or information of police officer misconduct from the public, any complaint showing that a police officer is involved in an act constituting professional misconduct.
The Police Act 2020 imposes on the discipline unit an obligation to investigate misconduct.
- Police Regulations and Code of Conduct/Police Service Commission oversight:
Police regulations (Orderly Room Trials, Force Disciplinary Committee) provide that police officers may be disciplined, demoted or dismissed for “misconduct”, “serious misconduct”, “professional misconduct” or acts unbecoming of a police officer.
- Public Service Rules/Civil Service Laws:
The Public Service Rules define misconduct to include willful acts or omissions or improper behaviour that are inimical to the image of service, or detrimental to discipline. Gambling activity, especially if public, distracting from duty, or bringing disrepute, can fall within this. - Criminal Code Act (for gambling law/illegal gaming)
Section 236 & related provisions in Chapter 22 of the Criminal Code (Nigeria) address “gaming houses”, “illegal gaming”, etc. “Gaming houses” are defined and persons involved may be liable.
Jurist
Also the law on illegal gambling and lotteries (though note: recent changes/Supreme Court rulings have nullified some aspects/shifted regulatory jurisdiction to states).
- Precedents of Disciplinary Measures:
The Lagos State Police Command warning and disciplinary action where officers were caught gambling “Baba Ijebu” while on duty.
Dismissal of police officers for extortion, corruption, misconduct in various states (Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, etc.). Though these cases are for different misconducts, they show that the police force has precedent for dismissal for unethical/unprofessional behaviour
Arguments/Ground for Dismissal/Disciplinary Action
Based on the above, you may assert:
- SP Edafe Bright’s public gambling conduct constitutes professional misconduct under the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which empowers disciplinary action.
- It is an act that damages the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force, undermines public confidence, and is inconsistent with the standards expected of a PPRO.
- If the gambling is being done while on duty, or interfering with his duties, it may amount to dereliction of duty, distraction from duty, or misuse of official position.
- Even if off duty, when publicly visible, it may amount to conduct unbecoming of a police officer (bringing the force into disrepute).
- Consistency demands that if lesser ranks have been dismissed or punished for similar behaviour (gambling on duty etc.), then a senior officer ought to be held to at least the same standard.
Legal Relief/What We Demand
Therefore, we hereby demand:
- That the IG of Police order an immediate investigation by the Police Public Complaints & Discipline Unit (or relevant internal disciplinary unit) into the conduct of SP Edafe Bright (@brightgoldenboy) with respect to public/social media evidence of gambling.
- That SP Edafe Bright be subject to an Orderly Room Trial or Force Disciplinary Committee hearing, where evidence (including screenshots/posts etc.) is produced and SP Bright be given opportunity to defend himself as required by law.
- That, if found guilty of misconduct, SP Edafe Bright be dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, or at minimum be severely sanctioned (demotion, reprimand, suspension), consistent with prior similar cases.
- That the documents of disciplinary outcomes in similar cases (e.g. Lagos policemen caught gambling while on duty; officers dismissed for gross misconduct) be made public to ensure transparency and consistency, to show that “what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”
Finally, in summary, under the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, criminal law, gambling, and police disciplinary regulations, SP Edafe Bright’s alleged gambling activity (especially if done publicly and/or while on duty) appears to breach the standard of conduct required of police officers, amounting to professional misconduct and possibly bringing the force into disrepute. Accordingly, we respectfully submit that the only just outcome is disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
We trust that you will apply the law impartially and in the interest of justice and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Respectfully submitted,
Rights and Anti-Corruption Forum of Nigeria
Hon. Comrade Prince Ogbonna, Director of Operations. WhatsApp: +234 803 808 8923
Cc:
Chairman, Force Disciplinary Committee, Nigeria Police Force, Abuja.
Chairman, Police Service Commission
Minister of Interior
State Governor of Delta State
Civil society organizations/media
