The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has charged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai and officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to uphold integrity and professionalism, stressing that ethical conduct remains central to effective policing and anti-corruption efforts.
Speaking during separate courtesy visit by the Lagos CP and EFCC officials at his palace on Lagos Island, Thursday, the monarch said the credibility of both institutions is shaped by the daily conduct of their personnel, noting that discipline, transparency and accountability are critical to sustaining public confidence.
Akiolu urged officers to remain steadfast in their duties and avoid actions capable of undermining trust in law enforcement and anti-corruption systems, describing policing as a noble profession that rewards honesty but carries consequences when abused.
“The police job is one that, if you do it with honesty and sincerity of purpose, you will end well. If you do it the other way, the reward is also there,” Akiolu said.
Drawing from his background as a former police officer, the monarch advised the commissioner and his team to maintain ethical standards and steer clear of conduct that could tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
While acknowledging criticisms often directed at the force, he maintained that many officers still uphold honour and integrity.
“Be close to God, do not listen to gossip, and let your conscience be clear,” he added.
He also stressed the need for continuous training and retraining of officers, particularly in addressing concerns around police brutality and harassment, noting that improved welfare, supervision and human capital development would help reposition the force as a more disciplined, responsive and people-oriented institution.
The Oba expressed confidence in Fatai’s experience, urging him to strengthen community policing, deepen grassroots intelligence gathering and ensure professionalism in day-to-day operations, while assuring him of the palace’s support in promoting peace and security across Lagos.
Earlier, Fatai said his visit was in recognition of tradition and the need to seek royal blessings, describing the Oba as both a father figure and a respected voice in public service.
“I have come as a son to seek the blessings of my father,” he said, adding that “Wherever we are posted, it is important to pay homage to the custodians of the land.”
The commissioner, who has previously served in Lagos, expressed confidence in leveraging his familiarity with the state’s security architecture to enhance operational effectiveness, improve response strategies and strengthen collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Lagos Zonal Director of the EFCC, Bawa Kaltungo, reiterated the need for professionalism and ethical conduct, describing them as essential to preserving the Commission’s credibility.
Kaltungo said the agency remains committed to intensifying the fight against corruption, adding that it aims to build on its current momentum.
“We do not intend to maintain the tempo; we intend to improve on it. As our chairman always says, we must strive to do our best and ensure we do the right thing. Corruption is for all of us; it is not only for the EFCC,” he said.
He assured that the Commission is making significant progress, noting that Nigerians would see tangible results through intensified investigations, prosecutions and public engagement initiatives.
On public cooperation, the EFCC director emphasised the importance of credible information from citizens, assuring that informants are protected.
“The EFCC is one of the best places you can come to give information, and you are assured it will be highly confidential. We do not disclose our informants. If we do, people will not come forward with information,” he said.
Kaltungo added that the agency maintains strict confidentiality protocols, noting that even within investigative teams, the identity of informants is often restricted to ensure maximum protection and encourage greater citizen participation.
