The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a new personal policy restricting photo sessions with random individuals, following the circulation of a viral documentary in which his photograph appeared alongside a suspected fraudster accused of defrauding a Romanian woman of $2.5 million.
Egbetokun disclosed this at a recent public event, explaining that criminals increasingly exploit photographs with public figures to gain credibility and shield illicit activities.
“I would want to apologise to those distinguished individuals whose photo opportunities I have declined. This decision is not driven by pride but by caution at a time when photo opportunities granted at special occasions can be weaponised,” the IGP said.
The controversial image showed the police chief in uniform standing with a man later identified in the documentary as a suspected fraudster.
Analysts say such photographs are often used by criminal networks to project legitimacy and win the confidence of victims.
The documentary also featured images of the suspects posing with other prominent Nigerians, including business leaders and entertainers, further highlighting how fraud syndicates leverage proximity to influential personalities to advance their schemes.
Police sources said the development underscores the growing sophistication of transnational cybercrime and the reputational risks faced by public office holders in an era of viral digital content.
Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the policy shift was not intended to alienate the public but to safeguard the integrity of the police institution and prevent the misuse of official images for criminal purposes.
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