The Nigerian Police Force has once again come under the spotlight as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, officially banned arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions of youths, and the infamous collection and checking of mobile phones by police officers. The announcement, made through the Nigerian Police’s official X handle (formerly Twitter), has sparked a wave of reactions from citizens, particularly the youth, who are all too familiar with such practices.
The directive was met with mixed emotions across social media. While some applauded the IGP’s decision as a step toward reforming the Nigerian Police Force, others expressed deep skepticism, questioning the implementation of such orders on the ground.
One user, identified as Lamilekan, echoed the sentiments of many frustrated Nigerians: “They keep banning this thing online for years, but they refuse to ban it in real life. Online and offline no be the same thing o.” His comment highlights the disconnect between public announcements and real-life experiences, a recurring complaint among citizens who face harassment at the hands of law enforcement.
For years, arbitrary arrests and illegal phone checks have plagued interactions between the Nigerian Police and the youth. Often, young people are profiled based on their appearance, gadgets, or lifestyle, leading to harassment under the guise of law enforcement. Many see this new directive as another rhetorical gesture unless tangible enforcement mechanisms are put in place.
In response to the public outcry, experts and civil society organizations have called on the police leadership to not only make bold proclamations but also ensure accountability among officers. “It’s not enough to issue bans. There must be disciplinary action against errant officers, and mechanisms for citizens to report these abuses without fear,” said a legal expert, Barrister Idowu Ogunleye.
Social media platforms remain abuzz with stories and memes, with many users sarcastically predicting a “repeat ban” in the future if the IGP fails to walk the talk. “Until we see officers respecting this directive on our streets, this ban is just another tweet,” another user quipped.
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing security sector reforms, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: Will this ban finally mark a shift, or will it remain another empty promise in a digital announcement? Only time — and the actions of police officers across the country — will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 