By Cross Udo, Abuja
A coalition of Nigerian youths, students, and Civil Society Organizations has called for the immediate removal of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over recent alleged police brutality under his leadership, particularly the arrest and ill-treatment meted out to the Peace Corps Commandant and Civil Defence officers.
The Coalition demanded the unconditional release of Dickson Akoh, the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN, and threatened a mass protest if their demands were not met.
The group, in an emergency press conference in Abuja at the weekend, highlighted concerns about the alleged escalating police brutality, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform within the Nigeria Police Force
It warned against the recent trend of police brutality under Egbetokun’s leadership and demanded that the commandant be released from custody.
It was alleged that the IGP ordered the arrest of the National Commandant, Akoh, over a dispute arising from a tenancy disagreement between Akoh and his landlord.
Armed police officers reportedly invaded the Peace Corps Head Office located near Jabi Lake at about 3pm on Friday in a commando style, broke into his office, and arrested him alongside 16 officers.
The gun-trotting officers were alleged to have forcefully gained access into the premises of the building with the help of people suspected to be thugs vandalised the doors, and ransacked all the offices before taking Akoh away.
The coalition demanded Akoh’s immediate release and an end to police brutality and harassment of Nigerians.
The conveners were Blessing Akinlosotu for the civil society stakeholders; Murtala Mohammed, former President, National Youth Council of Nigeria; Engr. Uzoh Ifeanyi, representative of International Youth organisations; Olayemi Success, representative of student stakeholders; Mazi Oscar David Kalu, Alhaji Gambo Suleiman Jagindi and Rikki Nwajiofor as national stakeholders; as well as Ademario Emmanuel, DG, Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
The group said, “It is now public and viral that the Nigeria Police Force, under the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is turning into a monster and instrument of terror against the Nigerian People. Either the IGP is unaware and ignorant of developments under him, or he is calling the shots. The IGP cannot exonerate himself from either of the above.
“How can the IGP justify the men of the Police Force arresting and handcuffing personnel of a sister Agency, the NSCDC, in public, even while seeing the NSCDC Officer with an AK47 rifle meant only for Security Agencies?
“How can the IGP explain the breaking into of the Headquarters of the Peace Corps to vandalise properties and arresting over 32 Youths and Civil Society Leaders over a tenacity dispute that is even before the Court of Law, with judgement in favour of the Peace Corps.
“This development is a direct slap on the young people and citizens of Nigeria, hence, the reason for our intervention.
*Calls for immediate release of Peace Corps Commandant
“We hereby give an ultimatum expiring Monday, October 28, 2024, to the IGP and NPF to both tender an unreserved apology to the NSCDC, unconditionally release the National Commandant of the PCN and other detained Youths, unseal the Headquarters of the PCN.
If the above demands are not met, we hereby call for the sacking of IGP Kayode Egbetokun by Mr. President before he causes irreparable havoc to NPF and the Government of President Tinubu.
“Furthermore, if the above demands are not met on Monday, then the Coalition will be left with no other option than to lead the Nigerian youth, student, and civil society stakeholders on a peaceful protest to occupy both the Force Headquarters and the National Assembly. This serves as a pre-action notice.”
