The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, directing them to put an immediate stop to unlawful and prolonged detention of citizens.
Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun stressed that any officer who violates constitutional provisions on human rights will face serious consequences.
He made this known during a telephone interview with Daily Trust.
According to Adejobi, “The IGP personally noticed that we have some cases that are highly unprofessional. Some of our men are highly unprofessional due to overzealousness – they overreact to issues, they personalise issues, and this should not be.”
“And as the IGP, he feels concerned about the whole scenario. That is why you see that we have been issuing certain policy statements in the last 3 or 4 weeks. We need to change the narratives.”
“If you notice now, the incessant transfer of cases, unnecessary brutality and others have gone down. Though we still have some isolated cases, the Rome was never built in a day, it is a process.”
This directive follows increasing public concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions by police officers.
The IGP has reiterated the force’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring due process in all detention procedures.
In a statement issued after the interview, the police chief urged officers to maintain the highest standards in their interactions with the public while fostering a culture of accountability within the force.
