Human rights activist Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to end conflicting statements regarding reports of police misconduct on social media. This was contained in a press letter titled “Stop Double-talking to Nigerians over report of Police Misconduct on Social Media,” signed by the CHRSJ Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, and made available to 9News Nigeria. Sulaiman criticized the IGP for discouraging social media use to report misconduct despite having introduced such platforms to promote transparency and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Reacting to the IGP’s recent remarks advising Nigerians to avoid reporting police misconduct on social media, Sulaiman reminded the public that it was the same police leadership, through spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, that launched these social media channels to hold officers accountable.
Sulaiman, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), urged the IGP to resist pressure from corrupt elements within the police force seeking to suppress transparency. He emphasized that exposing unprofessional behavior through social media has played a crucial role in restoring accountability and integrity to the NPF.
In the statement, Sulaiman praised the emergence of social media as a powerful tool for exposing corruption and misconduct in the country. He noted that these platforms have significantly improved policing by deterring unethical behavior among officers and holding them accountable for their actions.
Sulaiman, who also leads the Save Lagos Group (SLG), stressed that without social media, corrupt practices within the police force could have gone unchecked, tarnishing the institution’s image further. He advised the IGP to prioritize training and retraining officers to align with international best practices, ensuring they respect citizens’ fundamental rights while performing their duties.
“The IGP is a diligent and professional officer. Since his appointment, he has worked hard to instill discipline within the force. However, some bad elements continue to engage in misconduct. Social media reporting has helped curb such behavior and prevent these officers from further damaging the police force’s reputation,” Sulaiman stated.
Earlier this month, the IGP had urged Nigerians to direct complaints about police misconduct to the Police Complaints Response Unit (PCRU) instead of social media. Speaking at the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference in Asaba, Delta State, Egbetokun argued that social media often spreads misinformation, undermining the force’s integrity.
While acknowledging social media’s role in shaping public opinion, the IGP maintained that structured complaint platforms like the PCRU offer more accountability and transparency. He appealed for cooperation from the public and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working with the media to enhance trust and accountability.
