Police to Nigerians: No permission from IGP to beat officers during stop-and-search
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked a fake news claiming Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, instructed Nigerians to physically assault officers who demand for stop-and-search.
In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Egbetokun has never encouraged violence against law enforcement agents.
Adejobi said the blog post to the contrary was completely made up.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.
“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.
“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.
“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.
“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.
“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”
Recently, Egbetokun ordered police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and to desist from searching smartphones of Nigerians.
