Rights Group Commends IGP Egbetokun’s Efforts to End Unlawful Detentions
A leading human rights advocacy group, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has hailed the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, warning against unlawful and prolonged detentions by police officers.
The group stated that this directive would significantly reduce human rights violations committed by members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and help restore public confidence in law enforcement.
IGP Warns Officers Against Violating Human Rights
The IGP’s order, made public through a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterates the importance of upholding constitutional provisions that safeguard the rights of citizens.
“Any officer found violating human rights provisions will face serious consequences,” the statement warned.
This development comes amid growing public outrage over cases of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and illegal detentions across the country.
SPANCI: “A Step in the Right Direction”
Reacting to the directive, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, President of SPANCI, issued a statement applauding the IGP’s move and emphasizing its potential impact on police reforms.
“We welcome this decisive order from the IGP. Many innocent citizens have suffered unjust detentions, while some have even lost their lives due to police excesses. This directive will go a long way in protecting Nigerians from abuse by officers who misuse their power,” Bello stated.
He further urged police officers to comply with the directive, noting that its full implementation could help repair the damaged reputation of the Nigerian Police Force.
Police Brutality and Unlawful Detentions: A Longstanding Issue
Nigeria has a history of human rights violations by law enforcement officers, with reports of:
âś… Illegal arrests and prolonged detentions without trial.
âś… Torture and inhumane treatment of detainees.
âś… Extrajudicial killings linked to unlawful police activities.
âś… Bribery and corruption in securing the release of suspects.
The ENDSARS movement of 2020 exposed deep-rooted issues within the police force, with citizens calling for urgent reforms to stop the abuse of power.
Despite previous efforts to implement police reforms, reports of rights violations and unlawful detentions have continued to surface.
“The disregard for these rights has led to deaths and the unjust punishment of many innocent citizens,” Bello lamented.
The Role of the Police Act and the Nigerian Constitution
SPANCI also emphasized that police officers must operate within the confines of the law, citing key legal provisions such as:
📌 Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) – Guarantees the dignity of the human person, prohibiting inhumane treatment.
📌 Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution – Protects the right to personal liberty, preventing unlawful detention.
📌 The Nigeria Police Act (2020, as amended) – Outlines police conduct, ethics, and accountability measures to prevent abuse of power.
Despite these legal safeguards, many officers continue to act with impunity, a problem the IGP’s directive aims to correct.
“Some Officers Are Power-Drunk” – SPANCI
Bello did not hold back in criticizing officers who habitually violate human rights.
“Some officers are power-drunk and habitual abusers of office. Their actions tarnish the image of the entire police force,” he said.
He urged the IGP to ensure strict enforcement of his directive, warning that mere statements would not be enough unless real disciplinary measures were implemented against erring officers.
“We need to move beyond words and take real action. Officers who violate human rights should be held accountable and dismissed where necessary,” he insisted.
Can This Order Restore Public Confidence?
The Nigerian public has grown increasingly skeptical of police reform efforts due to past failures in enforcement.
However, if IGP Egbetokun’s directive is backed by strong implementation, experts believe it could:
🔹 Reduce cases of illegal detention and extortion.
🔹 Encourage citizens to trust law enforcement agencies.
🔹 Help reposition the Nigerian Police Force as a professional institution.
SPANCI’s Final Call: Full Compliance Needed
SPANCI ended its statement with a call for compliance, urging officers to respect the IGP’s directive and uphold human rights.
“If officers comply with this order, it will help redeem the image of the police force and restore public trust,” Bello concluded.
He also prayed for IGP Egbetokun’s success in implementing his vision for a reformed and accountable police force.
Read also: Ex-Senate President Lawan Expresses Sympathy, Donates N27 Million to Yobe Fire Victims
What’s Next?
While the directive is a positive step, all eyes are now on the Nigerian Police Force to see if:
âś… Officers will actually comply.
âś… Erring officers will face real disciplinary action.
âś… Reforms will lead to long-term policy changes.
For now, human rights advocates remain hopeful but cautious, emphasizing that sustained pressure is needed to ensure lasting change.