The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that the Nigeria Police Force will not arrest any citizen for criticising or even insulting public officials, including himself. He stressed that freedom of expression is a constitutional right, as long as it does not involve spreading falsehood.
Egbetokun made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, amid growing concerns about the misuse of police power to silence critics and suppress free speech.
“We don’t arrest anybody for abusing anybody. People abuse me every day on social media. Have we arrested anyone for that?” he asked. “You can criticise me. Constructive criticism helps me to stay on my toes and perform better.”
However, the IG clarified that while criticism is allowed, publishing false information against any individual whether a public official or private citizen is a criminal offence under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.
“If you publish falsehood that damages the character of someone, it is no longer just a civil matter — it is now a criminal offence,” he explained.
Egbetokun said that in such cases, police will act based on formal complaints and ensure the matter is taken to court.
“In the past, people were told to go to court for defamation. But under the Cybercrime Act, we have the authority to arrest and charge you for criminal defamation,” he said.
He also revealed that, despite being a frequent target of false publications himself, he often chooses not to take action because of his position. “If I were a private citizen, I would go after them legally,” he added.
The IG’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians have raised concerns about arrests linked to social media posts, especially those critical of public officials. His comments aim to clarify the police position and distinguish between lawful expression and criminal defamation.
