Enforcement of COVID-19 lockdown regulations and human rights violations: Accounts of arbitrary arrests, detention and hazardous conditions in Nigerian police cells

Given the exceptional situation occasioned by an unprecedented health crisis, countries adopted extraordinary measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforcement of these measures has significantly resulted in human rights violations of various forms. This study draws from the Nigerian case to explore incidents of arbitrary arrests and detention of those adjudged by the police to have violated the lockdown rules. Using a victim-centered approach, 32 interviews with people arrested and detained by the police for contravening COVID-19 lockdown rules were conducted, and a thematic analysis of the narratives was carried out. Findings indicated that participants were arrested and detained in police cells for breaking stay-at-home rules largely for extortive purposes. In the process of arrests and detention, they endured physical and psychological abuses, were exposed to the risk of contracting COVID-19, and suffered economic extortions. Practical and policy implications were provided to enhance police legitimacy.