“Stop Targeting Our Youths!” Rights Group Fires Warning Shot at IGP Tunji Disu
By Paul Ebi
ABUJA — Growing concerns over police conduct have placed fresh pressure on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to address allegations surrounding the misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly in cases involving young Nigerians.
A youth rights advocacy organisation, the West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN), says the recent leadership change within the Nigeria Police Force presents a critical opportunity to reform policing practices that have long been criticised by civil society groups.
The group raised concerns over what it described as persistent cases of harassment, unlawful arrests, profiling of young people, and the controversial application of cybercrime laws in disputes that critics argue should ordinarily be treated as civil matters.
In a statement issued by the Regional Coordinator of WAYPAN, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, the organisation congratulated Disu on his appointment while urging him to prioritise reforms aimed at protecting citizens’ rights.
According to Lawal, the increasing use of cybercrime provisions to prosecute young Nigerians at the behest of powerful individuals is particularly troubling.
“Of particular concern is the increasing use of cybercrime law (2024) to prosecute young people on behalf of powerful individuals, including politicians, influencers, and wealthy elites,” he said.
While the organisation condemned the misuse of digital platforms for criminal acts such as blackmail, defamation, or online fraud, Lawal noted that many cases currently pursued under cybercrime provisions appear to resemble civil disputes rather than criminal offences.
“Even more troubling are the procedural abuses that sometimes occur in the handling of such cases, including violations of suspects’ rights prior to formal prosecution,” he added.
WAYPAN also called attention to concerns surrounding police handling of peaceful protests across the country, saying excessive force against demonstrators remains a recurring issue.
The group cited the alleged assault of activists Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Paul Frank during a protest against community demolitions in Lagos State, describing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of heavy-handed policing.
According to the advocacy network, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the police force.
“The excessive use of force in managing peaceful protests underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police reform,” the statement said.
The group further urged the police leadership to draw lessons from the nationwide protests triggered by the #EndSARS protests movement, which erupted over widespread public anger against alleged police brutality and misconduct.
Observers say how the new police leadership responds to these concerns may shape public trust in law enforcement and determine whether the force can rebuild confidence among Nigeria’s youth.
