IGP bans random arrests, phone checks, youth harassment by police officers
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a nationwide ban on arbitrary arrests, harassment of youths, and the unauthorised checking of mobile phones by police officers.
This directive comes amidst growing concerns over police misconduct, particularly following recent criticism by UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused Nigerian police of abuse and corruption.
The directive, issued to all state police commands, seeks to address human rights violations and repair the tarnished image of the Nigeria Police Force. It explicitly warns that officers and their supervisors found engaging in these illegal practices will face strict disciplinary action.
Signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, the memo has been widely circulated on social media. It highlights the lessons of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which erupted due to widespread police brutality and led to significant destruction, loss of life, and a breakdown in public trust.
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The document, titled “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention,” instructs that youth harassment, phone seizures, and unwarranted detentions at checkpoints must end immediately. It also places accountability on command commissioners and supervisors, with monitoring units tasked to ensure compliance.
Recently, Kemi Badenoch claimed that Nigerian police officers robbed her brother, stealing his shoe and wristwatch. Her remarks have reignited conversations about systemic corruption and misconduct within the force.
With this new directive, the IGP aims to restore public confidence and ensure law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law.
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