Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has officially confirmed the ban on the public parade of criminal suspects by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, following an earlier directive from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), which prohibited the practice.
The Telegraph had exclusively reported that the Attorney General had instructed the police to cease parading suspects publicly.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the police chief’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights and ensuring the Nigeria Police Force aligns with global best practices in policing.
“IGP Kayode Egbetokun has reaffirmed the ban on the public parade of suspects by police operatives. This commitment is intended to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens and to ensure compliance with global policing standards by upholding the directive prohibiting the public display of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in court,” Adejobi stated.
He emphasized that the directive had already been communicated to all police commands and zones as part of the Force’s modernization efforts and commitment to respecting the rights of all individuals, including criminal suspects.
According to Adejobi, this policy aligns with international human rights principles, which prioritize the protection of human dignity throughout the judicial process.
Adejobi also urged the media and the public to support the directive by promoting responsible reporting and ethical journalism.
“This directive, which has been communicated to all commands and zones within the Police Force, is a key aspect of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernization initiatives and demonstrates its commitment to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity,” he added.
“The IGP stressed that this policy is consistent with international human rights standards, which emphasize the importance of safeguarding the dignity and rights of individuals during the judicial process.”
He concluded by noting that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to operating within the confines of the law and fostering a culture of respect for human rights among its personnel. The IGP called for public understanding and cooperation, particularly from the media, to ensure responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices, which are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
