Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has announced that he will no longer pose for photographs with random individuals, following the circulation of a viral documentary that featured his image alongside an alleged international fraudster.

The documentary, which detailed how a Romanian woman was reportedly defrauded of 2.5 million dollars, included a photograph of one of the suspected scammers standing beside the police chief, who was dressed in full uniform. The image was presented as part of a montage of the suspects posing with prominent Nigerians, including business figures and entertainers, in what analysts say is a common tactic to project legitimacy and influence.

Security commentators note that such images are often harvested from public events, social gatherings or chance encounters, then repurposed by criminal networks to reassure potential victims that they are dealing with well-connected and trustworthy individuals. In this case, the inclusion of the IGP’s photograph in the documentary sparked debate about how easily public figures can be exploited in online scams without their knowledge or consent.

Addressing the issue at a recent public function, Egbetokun said he had become more cautious about granting photo requests, stressing that his new stance should not be interpreted as arrogance or aloofness.

He apologized to those who may feel snubbed when their requests are turned down, explaining that the decision is a protective measure in an era where digital images can be taken out of context and “weaponized” to support criminal narratives.

According to him, the growing sophistication of cybercrime and social engineering schemes means that even a seemingly harmless snapshot can be manipulated to mislead victims, damage reputations or undermine public trust in law enforcement.

The development has reignited discussion about the responsibilities of public officials in the age of social media, where constant demands for selfies and instant visibility collide with security and reputational risks. It has also prompted calls for clearer guidelines on how senior officials should manage public interactions, particularly in environments where photographs are routinely requested and widely shared online.