Pressure is mounting on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to address growing concerns over the alleged abuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly in cases involving young Nigerians.

A youth rights advocacy group says the change in leadership at the Nigeria Police Force presents an opportunity to tackle longstanding complaints of police harassment, unlawful arrests, profiling, and the use of cybercrime provisions in cases critics say often resemble civil disputes rather than criminal offences.

The concerns were raised in a statement by Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, Regional Coordinator of the West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN), who congratulated Disu on his appointment while outlining reforms the group believes should shape the priorities of the new police leadership.

“Of particular concern is the increasing use of the Cybercrime Act (2024) to prosecute young people on behalf of powerful individuals, including politicians, influencers and wealthy elites,” Lawal said.

“While we condemn the misuse of digital platforms for blackmail, defamation or fraud, it is important to note that many cases pursued by the police under cybercrime laws often border on 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.

Beyond cybercrime enforcement, the organisation also raised concerns about the policing of peaceful protests, calling for urgent reforms in how security agencies manage civic demonstrations.

The group cited the alleged assault of rights 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.

“Similarly, the excessive use of force in managing peaceful protests underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police reform,” the statement said.

“The Nigerian Police Force must draw lessons from the #EndSARS protests, which were triggered by public outrage over police misconduct and brutality.”

WAYPAN urged the police leadership to review documented cases of alleged rights violations against citizens, particularly young people.

The group also called for stronger internal accountability mechanisms, retraining of officers on human rights standards, the establishment of accessible human rights desks across police formations, and the adoption of a youth-friendly policing approach.