Prominent human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of his duties, citing gross abuse of office, poor welfare conditions, and systemic decay within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In an open letter to the President, Adeyanju alleged that under Egbetokun’s leadership, the police force has become “personalised and weaponised”, used as a tool to intimidate citizens, settle personal scores, and suppress civic freedoms such as peaceful protest and lawful dissent.

 “The civic space has shrunk under a climate of fear. Peaceful expression, association, and lawful dissent are now treated with suspicion or outright hostility by an institution that should protect these freedoms,” Adeyanju wrote.

He decried the worsening welfare of police officers, describing their working conditions as “inhumane,” with many enduring poor remuneration, inadequate housing, obsolete equipment, and minimal institutional support.

Adeyanju also raised alarm over alleged nepotism and favoritism in police promotions, where ethnicity and political loyalty are prioritized above competence and professionalism.

“A Force that is deprived of dignity cannot enforce the law with dignity,” he stated, referencing the recent police protest as a symptom of the underlying crisis in morale within the NPF.

Adeyanju urged President Tinubu to take decisive action by sacking IGP Egbetokun and appointing a leader who would uphold constitutional values, restore professionalism, and protect human rights.

 “Reform cannot happen under leadership that undermines its very principles,” he added.

The activist’s call comes on the heels of fresh controversy involving Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and former presidential candidate, who was detained on Wednesday after honoring a police invitation at the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Sowore was reportedly detained on the orders of IGP Egbetokun himself, acting in a manner critics say resembled playing the roles of both investigator and judge.

Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, accused the police leadership of illegality and abuse of power, revealing that the detention stemmed from baseless petitions allegedly originating from within the same Force investigating him.

 “The Force under IGP Egbetokun has become compromised. The illegal detention of my client is just one of many signs of rot,” Abubakar said while addressing journalists.

The developments have intensified public calls for reform and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, with critics urging the President to overhaul the institution before further damage is done to civil liberties and public trust.