The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to police officers across the country against illegal detention practices, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to due process and respect for human rights in all law enforcement activities.
The directive comes amid growing public outcry over cases of unlawful arrests, prolonged detentions without trial, and reported abuses in police custody. The IGP, speaking at a high-level security meeting in Abuja, stressed that officers who violate constitutional provisions and legal procedures would face severe disciplinary actions.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is committed to upholding justice and protecting citizens’ rights. He reminded officers that every arrest must be backed by legal justification, and suspects must not be held beyond the stipulated period without being charged to court.
“The era of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions must end. No officer has the right to detain any individual without following due process. Our duty is to enforce the law, not to abuse it,” he said.
Recent reports by human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of unlawful detentions, with some victims allegedly held for weeks or months without trial. Civil society groups and legal advocates have repeatedly called on the police to implement reforms that prevent rights violations and improve public trust in law enforcement.
Barrister Olumide Akintayo, a human rights lawyer, noted that illegal detentions often result from police officers seeking bribes or using arbitrary arrests to settle personal or political scores. “We have seen cases where innocent individuals are detained for extended periods without trial. The police must not only warn against these practices but also ensure real accountability,” he stated.
To ensure compliance, the IGP has directed the Police Complaints Response Unit (PCRU) to intensify oversight functions and investigate allegations of illegal detentions across police divisions nationwide. Officers found guilty of violating detention laws will face sanctions, including dismissal and prosecution.
Additionally, police stations have been instructed to maintain proper custody records, while divisional heads are required to submit weekly reports detailing arrests, charges, and compliance with detention guidelines.
While the warning from the IGP is seen as a positive step, security analysts argue that systemic reforms are necessary to eliminate deep-rooted issues of police brutality and misconduct. Experts recommend improved officer training, better remuneration to discourage corrupt practices, and the full implementation of the Police Act 2020, which strengthens legal safeguards against human rights abuses.
Dr. Samuel Onwueme, a criminologist, believes that a cultural shift within the police force is needed. “Nigeria needs a police system where officers see themselves as public servants, not as enforcers of fear. A zero-tolerance policy for illegal detentions must be matched with consistent enforcement and legal consequences,” he remarked.
The IGP’s statement is a step in the right direction, but Nigerians will be watching to see if tangible changes follow. Citizens and advocacy groups urge the government to back these warnings with policy enforcement, judicial oversight, and civic engagement to foster a police force that truly serves and protects all Nigerians within the bounds of the law.
