Deji Adeyanju Urges Tinubu to Sack IGP Over Alleged Weaponisation of Police
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the urgent dismissal of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he describes as systemic abuse, repression, and declining morale within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In the letter, Adeyanju accused the police leadership of weaponising the Force to intimidate citizens, settle personal scores, and suppress fundamental rights, particularly peaceful protests and lawful dissent.
“The NPF has become personalised and weaponised, with growing reports of the Force being used to settle personal scores and intimidate private citizens,” Adeyanju wrote.
Shrinking Civic Space and Abuses of Power
“Climate of Fear” Now Dominates Civil Engagement
Adeyanju condemned the increasing hostility of the police toward civic freedoms, alleging that the Force treats freedom of expression and assembly with suspicion, thereby shrinking Nigeria’s civic space.
“Peaceful expression, association, and lawful dissent are now treated with suspicion or outright hostility by an institution that should protect these freedoms,” he stated.
Police Welfare Crisis and Allegations of Nepotism
Officers Operating Under Inhumane Conditions
Adeyanju also raised concerns over the deplorable working conditions of police officers, noting that poor remuneration, outdated equipment, inadequate housing, and minimal institutional support have created a frustrated and demoralised workforce.
“The morale of the average policeman is low, and yet they are still expected to perform optimally. A Force that is deprived of dignity cannot enforce the law with dignity,” he wrote.
Promotions Driven by Ethnicity and Political Loyalty
The activist also decried what he described as a culture of nepotism and favoritism in police promotions, where competence has allegedly been sidelined in favour of ethnic bias and political connections.
Call for Immediate Reform and IGP’s Sack
Adeyanju insisted that reform cannot happen under current leadership, urging President Tinubu to immediately remove Egbetokun and appoint a new Inspector-General committed to professionalism, constitutional values, and human rights.
“The NPF urgently needs reform, but reform cannot happen under leadership that undermines its very principles,” Adeyanju declared.
Sowore’s Detention Adds Fuel to the Fire
IGP Accused of Acting as Judge and Prosecutor
The call for Egbetokun’s removal follows the controversial detention of SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who was held at the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, after honouring a police invitation.
Sowore was accompanied by his legal team, including lawyer Marshal Abubakar, who accused IGP Egbetokun of abuse of office and acting as judge in his own case by ordering the activist’s detention based on petitions generated from within the police.
“The police under Egbetokun detained Sowore over baseless petitions coming from the same Force investigating him,” Abubakar told journalists.
Growing Calls for Independent Oversight and Police Reform
As public trust in the NPF continues to deteriorate, human rights groups, civil society, and legal experts are now calling for independent oversight, a review of internal disciplinary processes, and comprehensive restructuring of the Force.
For now, the presidency has not responded to Adeyanju’s letter or to the growing backlash surrounding the Force’s conduct under Egbetokun.
