The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has urged the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to address the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s cybercrime law against young people, particularly in cases initiated by powerful individuals.
The organisation, which congratulated Disu on his appointment as the new IGP, urged him to prioritise reforms that would protect the rights of citizens, especially the youth.
WAYPAN Regional Coordinator, Rafiu Lawal, who gave the charge in a statement yesterday, said the leadership transition in the Nigeria Police Force presents an opportunity to reposition the institution toward professionalism, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.
According to WAYPAN, reports by local and international human rights organisations indicate that young Nigerians still face police harassment, unlawful arrest, wrongful profiling and detention.
It, however, expressed concern about the increasing use of the cybercrime law to prosecute young people on behalf of influential individuals, including politicians, influencers and wealthy elite.
MEANWHILE, the new IGP may have commenced leadership reorganisation with the removal of Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin.
Although Hundeyin’s removal has not been officially announced and his replacement disclosed, sources revealed that he was relieved of his duties yesterday following his opinion on Wednesday on the workability of the establishment of state police.
It would be recalled that Hundeyin had subtly offered his opinion while moderating at the occasion of the IGP’s inaugural conference with strategic police managers in Abuja, a position that was firmly held by the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Sources said Hundeyin’s subtle stand drew concerns among top police officers who saw it as conflicting with the direction of the new IGP and that of President Tinubu.
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