The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations linking the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, to the alleged wrongful arrest of a journalist, describing the claims as unfounded, misleading, and unsupported by facts.
The Force’s response, issued on Wednesday through the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, followed the announcement by the International Press Institute (IPI) that it had suspended engagement with the Police over the incident.
According to the statement, the IGP neither authorised nor condoned the arrest, harassment, or intimidation of any journalist.
The police said that immediately the matter was brought to his attention by the IPI President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, the IGP ordered the journalist’s release and directed the Force Monitoring Unit to investigate the conduct of the officers involved.
Hundeyin stressed that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with existing laws and police regulations.
“The IGP has consistently made it clear that misconduct by individual officers cannot and must not be attributed to the leadership of the Force or weaponised to malign the institution,” the statement said.
The NPF noted that with over 300,000 personnel deployed nationwide, isolated cases of misconduct may occur, but such incidents are promptly investigated and addressed through established accountability mechanisms.
The statement further revealed that the IPI declined several invitations to formally engage with the Force Monitoring Unit to reconcile statements and finalise the investigation, a step the Police said was necessary for due process.
Describing the IPI’s decision to suspend engagement over a single incident as disproportionate, the Police called for objectivity, especially in light of the immediate corrective measures already taken and the ongoing investigation.
The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional policing, press freedom, and professional accountability, insisting that no organisation has the authority to bypass due process or declare guilt while investigations are still ongoing.
“The Force remains resolute in enforcing discipline within its ranks and upholding the rule of law, while firmly resisting attempts to unfairly impugn the integrity of its leadership,” the statement concluded.
The Police assured Nigerians that it remains open to constructive engagement with stakeholders and will continue to uphold professional standards across its operations.
