Inspector-General Egbetokun Prohibits Arbitrary Arrests, Youth Detentions, and Phone Searches by Nigerian Police
The Nigerian Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate cessation of arbitrary arrests and detentions of youths, as well as the unlawful collection and checking of phones by police officers nationwide.
In a directive issued through a wireless message dated December 13, 2024, and addressed to all state commands, the IGP warned that any officers caught engaging in these prohibited practices would face disciplinary action, including their supervising Commissioners of Police. This announcement comes amid widespread criticism of the Nigerian Police Force’s conduct, which has been marred by human rights violations.
The memo, signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters and obtained by PidomNigeria, emphasized that these unlawful practices are tarnishing the reputation of the police and were among the grievances that sparked the #EndSARS protests, which resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
The message, titled “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention,” stated:
“Arbitrary Arrest X Detention X NIGPOL DCPS ABUJA DIRECTS X HENCEFORTH X THERE SHOULD BE NO UNNECESSARY ARREST AND DETENTION OF YOUTHS X COLLECTING OF PHONES X CHECKING OF PHONES X AT CHECKING POINTS X THESE SHOULD STOP X THIS ATTITUDE IS Portraying THE Nigeria POLICE FORCE IN BAD IMAGE X ALL THESE CULMINATED TO END-SARS PROTEST X DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTIES X KILLING IN THE PAST X NIGPOL DOPS DIRECTS YOU DESIST FROM SUCH UNLAWFUL ACTS X ANYONE CAUGHT WILL BE DISCIPLINE ALONG WITH COMMANDS COMPOLS/SUPERVISORS AS INGENPOL WILL DEPLOY MONITORING UNITS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS DIRECTIVES X TREAT AS VERY IMPORTANT.”
The directive is part of efforts to restore public trust in the police and prevent a repeat of the unrest that followed the #EndSARS demonstrations.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore has accused IGP Egbetokun of human rights abuses and called for his removal. Sowore alleged that the IGP, who he claims is illegally occupying the position, has been complicit in several cases of rights violations, including the prosecution of critics and activists.
Sowore specifically accused Egbetokun of ordering actions against peaceful protesters, orchestrating the prosecution of minors for treason, and enabling the detention of individuals like musician Speed Darlington and activist Abiodun Olamide Thomas. He further alleged that Thomas was unlawfully transported from Lagos to Abuja to face what he described as an “illegal trial” sponsored by the government.
The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), a human rights advocacy group, corroborated the claims regarding Thomas, stating that she was transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja under questionable circumstances. The group alleged that her case is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent, involving senior government and police officials.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate, warned that unless action is taken, Egbetokun’s continued tenure could lead to further deterioration of the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Sahara Reporters
