The Inspector General of Police has announced that police officers who were found protecting foreign hackers arrested for cybercrimes were acting unlawfully. The Nigeria Police Force recently revealed the arrest of a group of suspects involved in high-level cybercrimes, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerian collaborators. It was discovered that the foreign suspects had police protection prior to their arrest, which led to the detention of the involved officers.
During a workshop focused on standardizing criminal investigations, the Inspector General confirmed the arrest of the officers and emphasized that they were not officially assigned to protect the foreigners. He mentioned that certain individuals in society, such as VIPs and prominent businessmen, require police protection due to their societal positions and contributions to the economy.
The Inspector General addressed the issue of police officers being attached to individuals who do not require protection, stating that such officers were often not formally deployed. He issued a directive to hold commanders or supervisors accountable for officers found in such situations. Measures are being taken to reduce such incidents of misuse of police escorts.
Additionally, the Inspector General clarified that minors who were arrested were not detained for participating in protests but for criminal activities like looting and destroying public infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and individuals engaged in criminal behavior during protests.