The International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has come under fire from the Integrity Youth Alliance for its hasty and dubious decision to halt all interactions with the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the group said that IPI Nigeria responded to the arrest and detention of a journalist’s nursing wife and her nine-month-old child, noting that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun had already taken notice of the incident.
The Alliance claims that after the issue was brought to his attention, the IGP moved quickly to take action, which resulted in disciplinary actions against the affected police officer. It further stated that the actions taken by the Police High Command were properly communicated to the leadership of IPI Nigeria.
The group emphasised that Nigerian law forbids “arrest by proxy,” and they claimed that this fact influenced the disciplinary actions taken against the individuals in question. It said that the IGP’s prompt action showed the Police Force’s dedication to accountability, due process, and the rule of law.
The Alliance added that the IGP’s recent order for the IGP Monitoring Unit to work with IPI Nigeria to improve media-police relations demonstrated his regard for the media and its function in a democratic society. It contended that this development went against the narrative of IPI Nigeria and called into question the justification for the general suspension of relations.
IYA added that the Nigeria Police Force, led by IGP Egbetokun, has continuously demonstrated zero tolerance for intimidation, harassment, or unlawful arrests of citizens while upholding the idea that everyone is subject to the law, including journalists.
The Alliance revealed that the Force Monitoring Unit was tasked with looking into IPI Nigeria’s petition. It asserted, however, that IPI Nigeria turned down multiple requests to appear before the unit to harmonise and formally adopt its statements, a procedure it claimed was required to wrap up investigations and implement disciplinary measures.
Demands for compensation and calls for a public apology were deemed premature by the group, which insisted that such claims must be proven through appropriate legal and investigative processes. Additionally, it criticised calls for the immediate arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of the implicated officers before investigations were concluded, characterising them as being against the fundamentals of the rule of law.
The Alliance reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, does not intervene in civil or business disputes that belong in the courts and does not protect lawbreakers. It further stated that during the regular IGP conferences, the IGP has repeatedly cautioned officers against such actions.
The group reiterated its support for ongoing police reforms while stating that IPI Nigeria’s suspension of police relations has no legal bearing on the Police Force and that it is not legally necessary to be a member of IPI Nigeria to practise journalism in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Integrity Youth Alliance urged the Inspector-General of Police to uphold the rule of law, defend citizens’ rights, and ensure that any officer found guilty of unlawful arrest or abuse of authority faces severe consequences.
