Nigerian police force bans arbitrary arrests, phone checks

December 17, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate halt to unnecessary arrests and detention of youths across the country.

The IGP also directed that all arbitrary collection and checking of phones be stopped immediately.

This move aims to curb the impunity and unlawful attitudes that have portrayed the Nigeria Police Force in bad light.

The police authorities warned that henceforth, any police personnel caught indulging in the prohibited acts would be punished, including the Commissioner of Police of the command and their supervisors.

According to a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024, and addressed to all State Commands, the police hierarchy stated that such impunity and unlawful attitudes are portraying the Nigeria Police Force in bad light.

The message read in part: “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.”

The police directive comes after British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch had recently sparked controversy with her candid comments about the Nigerian police, sharing her personal experience of being robbed by officers in Nigeria.

However, her statement has ignited a heated debate, with some Nigerians sharing their own disturbing experiences with the police.

Kemi was asked whether she trusted the British police.

In response, Badenoch said, “I do. My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, and coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive. The police in Nigeria would rob us.

“I remember the police stealing my brother’s shoes and his watch. It’s a very poor country, so people do all sorts of things.”

The IGP’s new directives aim to restore public trust and confidence in the Nigerian Police Force.