The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed viral claims that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed citizens to physically attack police officers who request to search their phones. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, labelled the rumours as “entirely false” in a statement issued on Sunday, calling for vigilance against misinformation.
“This claim is baseless and has no connection to reality,” Adejobi declared, urging Nigerians to verify information through credible channels instead of relying on social media rumours.
Misinformation Sparks Public Reaction
The rumour, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, suggested that Egbetokun had encouraged citizens to assault police officers engaging in improper phone searches. This misinformation came at a time when tensions between the police and the public are heightened due to frequent reports of alleged police misconduct.
In response, Adejobi clarified that the Inspector-General has not issued any directive promoting violence against law enforcement officers. Instead, Egbetokun has emphasised accountability and urged citizens to report incidents of police misconduct through official channels.
“The IGP has called on citizens to channel complaints against police officers through appropriate means, ensuring accountability while maintaining the rule of law,” Adejobi said.
Police Reform Efforts Under Egbetokun
Egbetokun, who was appointed as Inspector-General of Police earlier this year, has pledged to improve the relationship between the police and the public. His tenure has been marked by a focus on professionalising the force, combating corruption, and fostering trust in communities.
This recent incident highlights the challenges of bridging the trust gap between the police and citizens. Reports of alleged harassment during phone searches have been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over perceived abuses of power by officers.
However, the police leadership insists that they are committed to addressing these grievances. Adejobi reassured the public, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve.”
Citizens Urged to Report Misconduct
The police provided several official helplines and contact channels for citizens to report cases of misconduct:
- Phone: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786
- Social Media: @PoliceNG on X (formerly Twitter), @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: npf.gov.ng
Adejobi encouraged Nigerians to use these platforms rather than resorting to violence. “We urge members of the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources,” he said.
Understanding the Phone Search Controversy
The issue of phone searches by Nigerian police officers has long been controversial. Many citizens have accused officers of abusing their authority to extort money or invade privacy. In response, the police have repeatedly clarified that officers do not have the right to search phones without reasonable cause or a warrant.
Legal experts have also weighed in, emphasising that such searches violate citizens’ constitutional rights. Human rights organisations have called for stricter regulations to curb these practices and ensure accountability within the police force.
Egbetokun’s administration has taken steps to address these concerns, including introducing training programmes on citizens’ rights and ethics for officers. However, this latest misinformation underscores the lingering mistrust between the police and the public.
The Dangers of Fake News
This incident also highlights the broader issue of misinformation in Nigeria. In an era of instant communication, false information can spread rapidly, causing panic and undermining trust in institutions.
Adejobi’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying news before sharing it. “Misinformation can harm public safety and damage relationships between citizens and institutions,” he warned.
