IGP Bans Youth Harassment: Landmark Move Against Arbitrary Arrests and Phone Searches

IGP Stands Against Police Misconduct: No More Youth Harassment and Unlawful Phone Searches

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has issued a directive prohibiting arbitrary arrests, youth harassment, and unauthorized phone searches by police officers across Nigeria.

This measure aims to restore public trust and address concerns over human rights violations within the Nigeria Police Force.

Key Points of the Directive:

• Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: Police officers are instructed to cease unnecessary arrests and detentions, particularly of youths, to prevent unwarranted harassment.
• Phone Searches: The directive explicitly bans the collection and checking of mobile phones at checkpoints, aiming to protect citizens’ privacy rights.
• Accountability: Officers found violating these directives, along with their supervisors, will face severe disciplinary actions. The IGP has established monitoring units to ensure compliance nationwide.

This initiative follows international criticism, notably from UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who highlighted issues of police misconduct in Nigeria.

The IGP’s directive seeks to address these concerns and prevent a recurrence of events similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which were fueled by allegations of police brutality.