The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive prohibiting arbitrary arrests, harassment of youths, and the checking of mobile phones by Police officers nationwide.
A document, signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, warned that officers and their supervisors who violate the directives will face serious consequences.
Titled “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention”, the document emphasized that harassment of youths, seizure of phones and unnecessary detentions at checkpoints must stop immediately.
It also highlighted that Command commissioners and supervisors will be held responsible for any infractions, with monitoring units established to ensure compliance.
The announcement follows recent accusations by UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who publicly criticized the Nigerian Police for corruption and alleged that officers used their firearms to steal from citizens.
Badenoch claimed that Police officers stole her brother’s shoe and wristwatch, reigniting discussions about misconduct within law enforcement in Nigeria.
