IGP Addresses Unauthorized Use Of Police Escorts And Cybercrime Arrests

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently revealed that police officers found protecting arrested foreign hackers had been operating illegally. This disclosure follows the recent arrest of 130 cybercrime suspects on November 4, including 113 foreign nationals—primarily from China and Malaysia—and 17 Nigerians. The group had been involved in high-profile cybercrimes and activities endangering national security.

During a workshop focused on enhancing criminal investigation standards, Egbetokun confirmed the apprehension of officers who had provided unauthorized protection to the suspects. “The policemen have been arrested,” he stated, emphasizing that the officers were on an “illegal duty,” operating without official deployment. Their commanders also disowned them, signaling a lack of formal authorization.

Egbetokun explained that while certain individuals, particularly prominent employers and business leaders, are entitled to police protection due to their economic contributions, others do not qualify. Misuse of police escorts, he warned, would result in immediate withdrawal of protection. He also highlighted ongoing reforms to prevent officers from informally attaching themselves to individuals who lack eligibility for police support.

Addressing recent controversy over the arrest of minors during the #EndBadGovernance protests, Egbetokun clarified that detained individuals had not been peaceful protesters but rather looters and vandals who exploited the protest to damage public and private property. He expressed gratitude for the President’s recent pardon of the minors, but warned against spreading “misleading narratives” suggesting the detainees were merely exercising their right to protest.

Egbetokun reiterated the police’s commitment to lawful protection and the importance of respecting both the right to protest and the rule of law.