Point-of-sale (POS) machines and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within police stations and other law enforcement facilities across the country are to be stopped, per an order issued by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
According to Egbetokun, the public outcry over purportedly unlawful and criminal transactions between POS machine operators and certain police officers made the prohibition necessary.
Through force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police chief stated that the prohibition was put in place to protect the security and integrity of police operations.
In addition, he emphasized that the command was to prevent any apparent corrupt activities, absolve the Commands or Formations of any potential illegal entry under such a pretext, and preserve discipline within the Force.
According to the senior cop, police personnel and POS operators engaged would suffer grave consequences, and any command or organization found to be breaking the order would be dealt with harshly.
The statement said, “The Force leadership has seen that certain Commands and Formations are still not adhering to this law, in spite of prior directions.
The IGP thus issues a warning that any infringement of this prohibition would result in harsh penalties for the leadership of the impacted Commands and Formations.
“Strict adherence to this directive is non-negotiable, as the IGP notes that the use of electronic payment devices within police facilities poses significant risks, including the potential compromise of sensitive information, financial irregularities, and the facilitation of illicit activities.”
In accordance with current laws and regulations, the IGP urges all officers and personnel to follow this directive without exception. It also warns that any police officer or POS operator found breaking this order or conspiring to conduct illicit financial transactions will face appropriate disciplinary and criminal action, with the Command/Formation leadership being held equally accountable.