Nigerians have expressed cautious optimism following a recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, banning the illegal searching of phones, arbitrary arrests, and unlawful detentions.
This move comes amidst rising public frustration and allegations of widespread human rights violations by police officers across the country.
On December 13, 2024, the IGP issued a clear and unequivocal order, instructing police officers nationwide to cease the arbitrary collection and examination of citizens’ phones. The directive also extends to halting the unwarranted arrest and detention of youths, who have often been victims of profiling and harassment.
This order was communicated through a wireless message addressed to all State Commands, and signed by the Department of Operations for the Force Headquarters.
For many Nigerians, this announcement is a welcome development. Complaints of harassment and unlawful searches have been persistent issues, particularly affecting young people who often find themselves targeted by police under the guise of enforcing laws.
The practice of stopping individuals, especially youths, and demanding to inspect their phones has been criticized as a violation of privacy and a tool for extortion.
The directive follows intense public outcry and widespread condemnation of police misconduct. Various human rights organizations and citizens have documented countless instances of young Nigerians being detained, harassed, or extorted due to perceived affluence or simply for owning high-end gadgets.
Social media platforms have become flooded with stories of victims recounting traumatic encounters with law enforcement officers.
In his message, IGP Egbetokun did not only condemn these illegal practices but also made it clear that any police officer caught engaging in such acts would face disciplinary measures. Significantly, he warned that supervisors, including Commissioners of Police, would also be held accountable for the actions of their subordinates.
However, while the directive has been widely praised, there are lingering concerns about compliance and enforcement. Many Nigerians question whether this order will bring about tangible changes or if it will remain another unimplemented policy. Skepticism stems from past experiences where similar pronouncements failed to translate into real improvements on the ground.
Civil society groups and legal advocates are now calling for strict monitoring to ensure that the directive is not merely symbolic. They argue that without consistent oversight and swift punishment for violators, the ban could quickly be disregarded.
The Nigerian public remains wary, as systemic corruption and lack of accountability have often hindered meaningful police reform.
To support this directive, some activists are pushing for the implementation of robust mechanisms, such as independent oversight bodies and whistleblower protections, to report non-compliance. Many believe that genuine reform requires not only orders from the top but a complete overhaul of the culture and practices within the police force.
While the IGP’s initiative is a positive step, public confidence in the police remains fragile. The success of this directive will ultimately be judged by whether Nigerians experience a noticeable reduction in unlawful searches, arbitrary arrests, and police harassment.
Until then, the skepticism among the populace highlights the deep-seated mistrust that will take sustained effort to overcome.
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