Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has issued a directive to halt the arbitrary arrest, detention, and phone checking of youths by police officers across Nigeria.
The directive, sent to all state police commands on December 13, 2024, emphasizes the need to curb human rights violations and unlawful actions that have tarnished the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun warned that police officers and their supervisors who fail to comply with the directive will face severe punishment.
The police hierarchy is concerned that such impunity and misconduct could reignite public outrage, similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which resulted in widespread destruction of properties and loss of lives.
The directive specifically prohibits unnecessary arrest and detention of youths, collecting and checking of phones at checkpoints, and other unlawful acts.
Egbetokun stressed that anyone caught violating these directives will be disciplined, along with their supervisors.
He said to ensure compliance, monitoring units will be deployed to enforce the directives.
This move aims to address the persistent issue of arbitrary arrest and detention, which is contrary to the right of freedom and liberty of individuals.
