Prioritise Police Reforms, Rights, Advocacy Group Tells IGP

The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network ( WAYPAN), has urged the newly – appointed inspector-general of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, to use his office to drive reforms that strengthen respect for human and civil rights in the Nigeria Police Force.

The group said Disu’s appointment presents a fresh opportunity to reposition the police towards professionalism, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights, particularly those of young people.

WAYPAN made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by its regional coordinator, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal.

Lawal congratulated Disu on his appointment and wished him success in the national assignment.

He, however, urged the new police chief to review documented cases of rights violations involving citizens, especially young people, and discontinue prosecutions considered unjust or unnecessary.

The group also called for the retraining of police officers on human rights standards and lawful engagement procedures, particularly in cases involving profiling and public demonstrations.

According to Lawal, reports by local and international human rights organisations show that young Nigerians still face police harassment, unlawful arrest and detention, wrongful profiling and physical assault.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of the Cybercrime Act to prosecute young people on behalf of powerful individuals, including politicians, influencers and wealthy elites.

While condemning the misuse of digital platforms for blackmail, defamation or fraud, Lawal said many cases pursued under the law often border on civil disputes rather than criminal offences.

He added that procedural abuses also occur in some cases, including alleged violations of suspects’ rights before formal prosecution.

WAYPAN urged the police leadership to establish functional and accessible human rights desks across police formations to promptly address complaints of misconduct.

The organisation also called for a youth-friendly policing approach that would see young people treated as partners in national development rather than potential criminals.

Lawal said the group remained committed to supporting reforms that would promote justice, accountability and public trust in the police.

“Once again, we congratulate the new Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, and wish him a successful tenure where citizens’ rights are duly and equitably protected without favour,” he said.