Group Demands removal of IG of Police Egbetokun from office

Group Demands removal of IG of Police Egbetokun from office

A group, coalition of Nigerian youth, student, and civil society groups is demanding the immediate resignation of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, citing a troubling rise in alleged police brutality during his tenure.

This call to action follows the arrest and alleged mistreatment of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Commandant Dickson Akoh and several officers, which the coalition claims highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse within the police force.

At an emergency press conference in Abuja, leaders of the coalition criticized the IGP for allegedly orchestrating Akoh’s arrest over a tenancy dispute. Reports indicate that armed officers, accompanied by thugs, forcibly entered the Peace Corps headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, breaking into Akoh’s office and detaining him along with 16 staff members. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with property vandalized and offices ransacked.

Key figures in the coalition, including Blessing Akinlosotu, former National Youth Council President Murtala Mohammed, and Ademario Emmanuel from the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, issued a firm ultimatum: the IGP must release Akoh and the other detainees by October 28, 2024, and publicly apologize to the Peace Corps and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

In a statement, they declared, “The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, is becoming a tool of terror against the Nigerian populace.” They warned that failure to address their demands would lead to widespread peaceful protests by youth, students, and civil society groups at both the National Assembly and police headquarters.

Additionally, the coalition urged for the reopening of the Peace Corps headquarters, which has been closed since the arrests, to facilitate the resumption of normal activities within the organization.