Eric Patrick
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding citizens’ right to free speech, stating that Nigerians will not be arrested for criticising or insulting government officials, including himself.
Egbetokun made the statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, amidst rising concerns over alleged police crackdowns on dissent and public criticism.
“The police will not arrest anyone for merely criticising or abusing government officials.
“Citizens are entitled to express their opinions freely, provided they do not spread falsehoods or engage in criminal defamation,” he said.
The IGP noted that criticism—particularly when constructive—is a key element of democracy and plays a vital role in holding leaders accountable.
His statement comes in response to public outcry over reported arrests of critics in recent weeks, with civil society organisations accusing law enforcement of stifling dissent.
Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police remain impartial and committed to protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens, while also warning against the abuse of free speech to spread misinformation or incite unrest.
He said, “We don’t arrest anybody for abusing anybody. Have you not seen how they abuse the IG on social media? Have you heard we arrested anybody for abusing the IG? They have been abusing me.
“I don’t care about the abuse. You can abuse me. You can criticise me. If your criticism is constructive, it’s going to help me to be on my toes. I will do more. So, I welcome criticism.
“The Cybercrime Act makes it a criminal offence for anybody to publish falsehood against anybody, whether public official or private individual.
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“If you publish falsehood that can injure the personality of that other person, it’s an offence. It’s a criminal offence.
“Before now, before the Cyber Crime Act, it was a civil offence. Then the complainant would be advised to go and take civil action.
“But with the Act that we have, if you publish falsehood against any individual, you are committing a criminal offence and you can be picked up, you can be arrested and charged to court.
“If we arrest you for such offence, we don’t take you to our houses or anywhere. We take you to the court. So the police will not arrest anybody who abuses a government official.
“But if you publish falsehood against that public official and the public official complain against you, you are liable to arrest. We will arrest you and charge you to court.
“I know many times falsehood have been published against me and I will just be quiet.
“It’s because of my sensitive position. If I were to be a private individual, I will complain against them and I will go after them. I hope that is clear.”