A coalition of Nigerian youth, student, and civil society groups is demanding the immediate removal of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, pointing to recent allegations of police brutality during his tenure.
This call follows the arrest and reported mistreatment of Dickson Akoh, Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), along with other officers, which they argue highlights a troubling rise in abusive behavior within the police force.
During an emergency press conference in Abuja, coalition leaders condemned the IGP for allegedly orchestrating Akoh’s arrest over a dispute related to property rental.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed officers, accompanied by thugs, invaded the Peace Corps headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, breaking into Akoh’s office and detaining him and 16 other personnel.
The coalition, represented by individuals like Blessing Akinlosotu, former National Youth Council President Murtala Mohammed, and Ademario Emmanuel from the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, issued an ultimatum demanding Akoh’s release and an apology to the Peace Corps and NSCDC by October 28, 2024.
They stated, “The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, is becoming an instrument of terror against the Nigerian people. We call for immediate action to prevent a large-scale peaceful protest by youth, students, and civil society at the National Assembly and police headquarters if our demands are not met.”
Additionally, they requested the reopening of the Peace Corps headquarters, which was reportedly closed after the arrests, to allow the organization to resume its activities.