Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has voiced serious concerns over the rising cases of indiscriminate harassment, torture, and arrest of Nigerians by police officers, particularly in the southern states.
Effiong disclosed this alarming trend on his X handle on Saturday, emphasizing the dire implications for a nation that permits such unchecked abuses by its law enforcement agencies.
Effiong revealed that in the last 48 hours alone, he had received nearly ten reports from different parts of Nigeria detailing police misconduct.
The incidents, which primarily stem from the South-West, South-South, and South-East regions, reportedly involve officers extorting money under the guise of law enforcement.
“Police officers are ostensibly trying to get money illegally for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” Effiong stated. He further warned, “A country that allows the police to continually molest, kill, and extort its citizens is headed for the precipice.”
Police Warn Against Misuse of IGP’s Name
Effiong’s outcry coincides with a statement from the Nigerian Police Force, warning the public to beware of individuals falsely claiming connections with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, or other senior officers.
The Force described such activities as alarming and condemned the misuse of the IGP’s office for illegal purposes, including extortion and intimidation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued the notice titled, “Misuse of Name, Office of the Inspector-General of Police,” calling attention to scammers exploiting the IGP’s name for personal gain.
The Need for Immediate Action
Effiong’s revelations highlight a disturbing trend in law enforcement practices, particularly in the southern states. The reports he has received paint a picture of systemic abuse, where officers allegedly use their positions to intimidate and extort money from citizens unlawfully.
Effiong called for urgent action to address the situation, stressing that such unchecked police misconduct undermines public trust in law enforcement and jeopardizes the country’s stability.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, Effiong’s call serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reform within the Nigerian Police Force to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
“We must hold the police accountable and demand an end to these abuses,” Effiong reiterated, urging both the government and the public to take a stand against these violations.
