POLICE REJECT IPI’S CLAIMS, DENY IGP’S INVOLVEMENT IN ALLEGED JOURNALIST ARREST

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected what it described as unfounded and misleading allegations by the International Press Institute (IPI) linking the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to the alleged wrongful arrest of a journalist.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police described the claims as unsupported by facts, stressing that at no time did the IGP authorise, direct or condone the arrest, harassment or intimidation of any journalist.

According to the Police, upon being formally notified of the incident by the IPI President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, through the Force Public Relations Office, the IGP immediately ordered the release of the journalist and directed the Force Monitoring Unit to investigate the conduct of the officers involved. The statement noted that clear instructions were issued that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with extant laws and procedures.

The Force said these actions were taken promptly and transparently, adding that the IPI was duly informed of the steps taken. It described as incorrect and disingenuous any suggestion that the Nigeria Police Force is institutionally hostile to press freedom or indifferent to media rights.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Police stressed that misconduct by individual officers should not be attributed to the leadership of the Force or portrayed as official policy. The statement noted that while the Nigeria Police Force has over 300,000 personnel nationwide and the vast majority operate lawfully, isolated cases of misconduct may occur, but are neither shielded nor ignored.

The Police further disclosed that the petition submitted by the IPI was referred to the Force Monitoring Unit for investigation, but claimed that records showed the IPI declined repeated invitations to appear before the unit to formally adopt and harmonise its statements, a requirement for concluding investigations and enforcing disciplinary measures.

Describing the IPI’s decision to suspend engagement with the Police over a single incident as questionable, the Force said it was contradictory to obstruct investigative processes while simultaneously alleging inaction.

The Nigeria Police Force maintained that it would not accept narratives aimed at undermining its leadership or institutional credibility through unsubstantiated allegations. It reiterated its commitment to constitutional policing, media freedom, due process and professional accountability, while insisting that no organisation has the authority to pronounce guilt while investigations are ongoing.

The statement was signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on December 24, 2025.