In a decisive move to enforce discipline and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned 11 police officers for repeatedly violating the Force’s social media policy.
This latest development follows a wireless message issued by the Force Public Relations Department on February 19, 2025, citing persistent breaches of the Nigeria Police’s social media guidelines. As a result, the officers have been directed to appear before the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for an official inquiry at 8:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Abuja.
This summons has sparked widespread discussions within the law enforcement community, as well as among members of the public, regarding the role of social media in modern policing and the disciplinary measures available to the NPF in handling misconduct online.
Also Read : Babangida Makes U-Turn 32 Years Later, Admits MKO Abiola Won June 12 Election
Details of the Summons and the Officers Involved
The official police memo was addressed to key authorities, including:
- The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mobile Police Force
- The Commissioner of Police, Makurdi (Benue State)
- The Commissioner of Police, Ilorin (Kwara State)
The summoned officers, who are from different divisions and commands across Nigeria, include:
- PC Bala – Provost Marshal, 70 PMF
- CPL Umar Yarima – Provost Presscort
- CPL Ruth Agada – SUPOL, Apa Division, Makurdi
- CPL Lami Ayuba – CSP ‘A’, Ilorin
- PPC Ogar Melvis – CSP Admin DOPS, Owerri
- PC Precious Іkpah
These officers have been ordered to report in person for an internal review regarding their conduct on social media.
Understanding the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has a strict social media policy that governs how officers engage with digital platforms. This policy was introduced to prevent unprofessional behavior and to ensure that police officers use social media responsibly.
Some key objectives of the policy include:
- Protecting Sensitive Information – Officers are prohibited from sharing classified police operations, investigations, and intelligence reports on social media.
- Maintaining Professionalism – Police officers must uphold the integrity and reputation of the Force while engaging online.
- Preventing the Spread of False Information – Officers are restricted from making unauthorized public statements that could mislead the public or cause unrest.
- Avoiding Political Bias – Officers are required to remain neutral in public discussions, especially on political or religious issues.
- Enforcing Ethical Conduct – The policy forbids the use of social media for harassment, bullying, or any form of misconduct that would damage the Force’s image.
Despite these regulations, multiple cases of social media misuse by officers have been reported in recent years, prompting the NPF leadership to take tougher disciplinary measures against violators.
Why Were These Officers Summoned?
According to police sources, the summoned officers repeatedly engaged in activities that breached the Force’s social media policy. Some possible reasons for their summons may include:
1. Leaking Sensitive Police Information Online
There have been past cases where police officers posted confidential operational details on Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp, inadvertently compromising investigations or exposing officers to security risks.
2. Engaging in Online Misconduct
Some police officers have been caught making inflammatory comments, engaging in online arguments, or posting unprofessional videos and photos while in uniform.
3. Criticizing Police Leadership
The Force frowns upon officers publicly criticizing police leadership or policies online. Any officer found making negative remarks about the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or other senior officers is considered to be in violation of the Force’s rules.
4. Politically Motivated Posts
Police officers are required to remain politically neutral at all times. If any of the summoned officers engaged in political debates or made endorsements on social media, they may face disciplinary action.
5. Using Social Media for Unprofessional Purposes
Some officers have been caught using TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms for non-official activities, such as participating in viral challenges, posting inappropriate content, or engaging in online fights.
Past Cases of Police Officers Being Disciplined for Social Media Violations
This is not the first time that Nigerian police officers have faced disciplinary actions for violating the Force’s social media policy. Below are some past cases:
1. Officer Dismissed for Leaking Security Intel (2023)
In 2023, a senior officer was dismissed after he was caught sharing classified intelligence reports on WhatsApp groups, which later surfaced online.
2. Suspension of an Officer Over Political Post (2024)
A police officer was suspended in 2024 after he was found making politically motivated comments on Twitter, in direct violation of the NPF’s code of conduct.
3. TikTok Video Scandal (2024)
In another case, two police officers were dismissed after posting viral dance videos in full uniform on TikTok, which was deemed inappropriate and unprofessional.
These past incidents illustrate why the NPF has intensified its monitoring of officers’ activities on social media, leading to the recent summons of 11 officers by IGP Egbetokun.
Implications of the Summons: What Happens Next?
This high-profile disciplinary action carries significant implications for the Nigeria Police Force:
1. Increased Scrutiny on Police Officers’ Social Media Use
The NPF will likely tighten its monitoring of officers’ activities online, possibly introducing new digital surveillance measures to track social media violations.
2. Possible Punishments for the Summoned Officers
If the investigation finds the officers guilty, they may face:
- Suspensions or demotions
- Fines or salary deductions
- Dismissal from the Force in extreme cases
3. Stronger Enforcement of the Social Media Policy
The IGP’s swift action against these 11 officers serves as a warning to other officers that social media misconduct will not be tolerated.
How the Public Reacts to Police Social Media Misconduct
The Nigerian public has long criticized unprofessional conduct among police officers, especially on social media. While some citizens support the enforcement of strict rules, others argue that officers should have the right to express themselves online.
Some concerns raised by the public include:
- Lack of transparency: Citizens worry that strict social media restrictions may be used to silence whistleblowers within the Force.
- Freedom of expression: Critics argue that police officers, like other citizens, should have the right to voice their opinions online.
- Selective enforcement: Some Nigerians believe that the policy is enforced inconsistently, with junior officers facing harsher punishments compared to senior officers.
Despite these concerns, the Nigeria Police Force remains firm in its position, emphasizing that officers must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism, both offline and online.
What’s Next for the Summoned Officers?
As the summoned officers prepare to appear before the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) on February 21, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force is expected to make a final decision on their disciplinary measures.
This case highlights the growing importance of social media discipline in law enforcement, as well as the NPF’s commitment to maintaining professionalism in the digital age.
For now, all eyes remain on the outcome of this high-profile investigation, and whether the NPF will introduce even stricter policies on social media use among its officers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
