Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reinforced a ban on parading criminal suspects before the media and the public. This directive is to take immediate effect.
A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, confirmed the decision. The directive had been previously communicated to all police Commands and Zones across the country.
Egbetokun said the policy is part of efforts to modernize the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and respect the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes.
The IGP noted that the policy aligns with global human rights practices.
“This policy ensures that suspects are not treated as guilty before trial,” he said. “We must respect their dignity and ensure fair judicial processes.”
Publicly parading suspects has been a longstanding practice in Nigeria, particularly of the poorer, ordinary citizens, often used to showcase police achievements. However, human rights activists argue it violates the presumption of innocence and exposes suspects to stigma, even if later acquitted.
The police force has been roundly criticized by legal and human rights groups for parading suspects, sometimes without solid evidence. In many cases, suspects are displayed before investigations are completed, raising concerns about fairness and due process.
Media and Public Support Urged
Egbetokun urged police officers to comply with the new directive and called on journalists and the public to support the initiative.
“Responsible reporting and ethical journalism are essential to maintaining public trust in the justice system,” the statement read.
Some have hailed the IGP’s decision, calling it a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s legal system. However, they stressed the need for strict enforcement to prevent officers from ignoring the directive.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and human rights organizations have long advocated for an end to public parades, arguing they violate Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence.
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