The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its ban on the public parade of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in court.
This confirmation by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, follows an earlier directive issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), prohibiting the practice.
It had been previously reported that the AGF instructed the police to desist from such actions.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, underscored the police chief’s dedication to upholding fundamental human rights and aligning with global best practices in law enforcement.
“IGP Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated the ban on the public parade of suspects by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
“This commitment by the IGP aims to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen and adhere to global best practices in policing by reiterating the standing directive prohibiting the public parade of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in a court of law,” Adejobi stated.
He highlighted that the directive had already been communicated to all police commands and zones as part of the force’s broader modernisation efforts, reinforcing its commitment to respecting the rights of all individuals, including criminal suspects.
Adejobi further stated that the policy aligns with international human rights standards, which emphasise the protection of human dignity throughout the judicial process.
He also urged the media and the public to support the directive by adhering to responsible reporting and ethical journalism.
“This directive, previously communicated to all commands and zones within the Police Force, is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernisation efforts and reflects its dedication to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity,” he said.
“The IGP emphasised that this policy is aligned with international human rights standards, which prioritise the protection and preservation of the dignity and rights of individuals throughout the judicial process.”
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to operating within legal boundaries and fostering a culture of respect for human rights among its officers.
Calling for public cooperation, particularly from journalists, he added, “Responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.”
