The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally hit back against allegations of institutional hostility toward the media following a decision by the International Press Institute (IPI) to suspend engagement with the Force.
In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the NPF described the IPI’s claims as “unfounded” and “misleading,” particularly regarding attempts to link Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to the alleged wrongful arrest of a journalist.
The Force maintained that the IGP acted swiftly upon being notified of the incident by the IPI President, Mr Musikilu Mojeed.
According to the police, the IGP immediately ordered the unconditional release of the journalist involved and directed the Force Monitoring Unit (FMU) to launch an investigation into the conduct of the arresting officers.
Furthermore, clear instructions were issued that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action under extant laws.
“These actions were taken promptly and transparently, and the IPI was duly informed,” Hundeyin stated, arguing that it is disingenuous to portray the police leadership as indifferent to media rights.
A central point of the police rebuttal involves the IPI’s alleged refusal to participate in the formal investigative process. The NPF claimed that despite referring the matter to the FMU, the IPI declined repeated invitations to appear before the unit to formally adopt and harmonise its statements, which the police describe as an essential procedural requirement.
“It is contradictory to obstruct investigative processes and, at the same time, allege inaction,” the statement read.
Addressing the broader issue of police conduct, the NPF emphasised that with over 300,000 personnel deployed nationwide, isolated cases of misconduct do not reflect official policy. The Force argued that the actions of a few individuals should not be shielded, but neither should they be weaponised to malign the entire institution or its leadership.
The NPF concluded by questioning the objectivity and proportionality of the IPI’s decision to sever ties over a single incident that was already being addressed through internal disciplinary channels. While reaffirming its commitment to constitutional policing and media freedom, the Force maintained that it would firmly resist attempts to unfairly impugn the integrity of its leadership or substitute public sentiment for due process.
