A coalition of Nigerian youth, student, and civil society organizations is demanding the immediate ousting of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, citing recent allegations of police brutality during his tenure.
This demand follows the arrest and alleged mistreatment of Dickson Akoh, Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), and other officers, which the coalition claims highlights a troubling trend of abusive behavior within the police force.
At an emergency press conference in Abuja, coalition leaders condemned IGP Egbetokun for purportedly ordering Akoh’s arrest due to a tenancy dispute. Armed officers reportedly raided the PCN headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, forcibly entering Akoh’s office and arresting him along with 16 others. Eyewitnesses allege that the officers, allegedly accompanied by thugs, vandalized property and ransacked offices before detaining Akoh.
Representatives of the coalition, including Blessing Akinlosotu, former National Youth Council President Murtala Mohammed, and Ademario Emmanuel of the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, issued an ultimatum demanding that IGP Egbetokun release Akoh and the other detainees by October 28, 2024, and apologize to both the Peace Corps and the NSCDC.
In a firm statement, they asserted, “The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, is becoming a tool of terror against Nigerians.” They warned that if their demands are not met, they will organize a large-scale peaceful protest involving youth, students, and civil society members at the National Assembly and police headquarters.
The coalition also urged for the immediate unsealing of the Peace Corps headquarters, which was reportedly closed following the arrests, to restore normal operations within the organization.
Peoplesmind
