The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a strong warning to officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against unlawful and prolonged detentions, stressing the need to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals in police custody.
In a statement released on Sunday, the IGP reminded officers that respecting the legally stipulated detention periods is both a legal requirement and a key aspect of protecting human dignity, as guaranteed under Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These sections safeguard the right to personal liberty and dignity.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP cautioned that any officer found violating these principles would face serious consequences, emphasising that unlawful detentions undermine public trust and confidence in the police.
He called for greater accountability within the Force and urged officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their dealings with the public.
“By prioritising human rights, the Nigeria Police Force aims to build stronger relationships with the communities it serves, ensuring that policing is conducted with integrity and respect,” the statement read.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to treating individuals in custody with respect and in line with the law, highlighting that the current police leadership remains dedicated to effective law enforcement and the protection of human rights.
Prolonged and unlawful detentions by the Nigerian police have been a persistent human rights concern. Several notable cases illustrate this issue:
For instance, in August 2024, Nigerian authorities detained 76 individuals, including 30 minors aged between 14 and 17, following protests against economic hardships.
These minors were held for over 90 days and faced charges, including treason, which carries severe penalties. Their prolonged detention without trial and the severity of the charges raised significant human rights concerns.
In March 2019, Bernard Ogbu, a widower from Nasarawa State, was arrested by officers of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and detained without trial for over three years.
His family reported that during his detention, they were denied access to him, and his wife passed away due to the stress related to his prolonged incarceration.
In another incident, Mr. Emenike Festus Umezurike was unlawfully detained for 28 days at the Umuagwo Police Station in Imo State. During his detention, police officers allegedly attempted to extort N5 million from him. He also reported being subjected to torture and inhumane treatment while in custody.
In August 2024, the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department detained Lagos-based music producer Nathan Akhimie for six days. Despite not being implicated in any crime, officers demanded a N1 million bribe for his release. He was released only after media reports highlighted his unlawful detention.
In March 2017, the Federal High Court in Kaduna ordered the Nigerian police to pay N2 million in damages to three individuals who were unlawfully detained for 19 months without trial.
The three persons, Idris Abubakar, Anas Abubakar and Aliyu Abubakar, instituted the case against the police IG.
The court found no evidence to justify their prolonged detention and ruled that their fundamental human rights had been violated.
These cases underscore the ongoing challenges within the Nigerian police force regarding adherence to legal protocols and respect for human rights, particularly concerning unlawful and prolonged detentions.