The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong rebuttal to claims made by the International Press Institute (IPI), which suggested Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was involved in the wrongful arrest of a journalist. The police labeled the allegations as completely unfounded and misleading.
Police Reject Allegations, Detail Swift Response
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified the chain of events. He stated categorically that IGP Egbetokun never authorized, directed, or condoned the arrest, harassment, or intimidation of the journalist in question.
Hundeyin explained that the IGP acted immediately upon being formally notified of the incident by IPI President Musikilu Mojeed. His first directive was to order the journalist's unconditional release. Following this, he instructed the Force Monitoring Unit to launch a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
Clear instructions were issued that any officer found culpable would face sanctions according to existing laws and disciplinary procedures, Hundeyin emphasized. He added that the IPI was promptly informed of all steps taken by the police leadership.
Addressing Broader Concerns on Press Freedom
The police spokesperson strongly criticized suggestions that the force as an institution is hostile to press freedom. He argued that misconduct by individual officers should not be used to tarnish the reputation of the entire leadership or the institution.
Hundeyin highlighted the scale of the Nigeria Police Force, which boasts over 300,000 personnel nationwide. While the vast majority carry out their duties professionally, he acknowledged that isolated cases of misconduct can occur. The force, he assured, always investigates such incidents through due process.
He also revealed a point of contention in the investigation process. According to Hundeyin, while the IPI's petition was forwarded to the Force Monitoring Unit, the institute declined repeated invitations to appear before the unit to harmonize its statements. He described IPI's subsequent decision to suspend engagement with the police as disproportionate and contradictory, arguing it obstructs the very investigation they demanded.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to constitutional policing, media freedom, and professional accountability, while resisting what it termed unsubstantiated attempts to undermine its leadership.
Separate Police Operations Yield Major Arrests
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force announced significant successes from intelligence-led operations across several states. Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed that operatives of the Special Tactical Squad arrested 22 suspects and recovered a cache of items.
The suspects are linked to a wide range of serious crimes including:
- Armed robbery and kidnapping
- Banditry and cattle rustling
- Car snatching and economic sabotage
- Impersonation and drug trafficking
The operations led to the recovery of six firearms, which included:
- One LAR rifle
- One pump-action gun
- AK-47 and AK-49 rifles
- An SMG rifle
- Two live rounds of ammunition
Additionally, 45 other exhibits were seized. These included vehicles, motorcycles, and illicit drugs suspected of being used to facilitate criminal activities.
