The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations linking the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to the alleged wrongful arrest of a journalist, describing the claims as unfounded, misleading and unsupported by facts.
The Force was reacting to a statement by the International Press Institute (IPI) announcing the suspension of its engagement with the Nigeria Police over the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police said at no time did the IGP authorise, direct or condone the arrest, harassment or intimidation of any journalist.
According to the him, once the IGP was formally notified of the incident by the President of IPI, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, through the Force Public Relations Officer, he immediately ordered the release of the journalist and directed the Force Monitoring Unit to commence an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
The Police stated that clear instructions were given that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in line with extant laws and disciplinary procedures, adding that these steps were taken promptly and transparently, with IPI duly informed.
The Force described as incorrect any suggestion of institutional hostility to press freedom, stressing that the leadership of the Nigeria Police has consistently upheld media rights and professional accountability. It noted that misconduct by individual officers cannot be attributed to the leadership of the Force or presented as official policy.
Emphasising the size and scope of the organisation, the Police noted that while the majority of its over 300,000 personnel carry out their duties professionally, isolated cases of misconduct may occur. Such cases, it said, are neither shielded nor ignored, but investigated and addressed strictly in accordance with due process.
The statement further disclosed that the petition submitted by IPI was referred to the Force Monitoring Unit for investigation, but alleged that the organisation declined repeated invitations to appear before the Unit to formally adopt and harmonise its statements — a procedural requirement for concluding investigations and enforcing disciplinary measures.
Against this background, the Police questioned the objectivity of IPI’s decision to suspend engagement with the Force over what it described as a single incident, despite immediate corrective action and an ongoing investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional policing, media freedom and professional accountability, while warning against narratives it said were aimed at undermining the integrity of its leadership and institution.
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