In a heartfelt and strongly worded appeal, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju is urging President Bola Tinubu to wake up to the rot festering within the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, under the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Force is drifting dangerously far from its constitutional mandate, with citizens now viewing it more as a threat than a protector.
In an open letter to the President, Adeyanju didn’t mince words. He accused the police leadership of turning the Force into a private weapon — used to silence critics, suppress peaceful protests, and intimidate Nigerians who dare to demand accountability. According to him, the Police Force is no longer about public safety — it’s now a tool for settling personal scores.
He further highlighted the deep suffering of officers themselves, saying many serve under inhumane conditions — from poor pay and obsolete tools to lack of decent accommodation. Adeyanju believes these issues are not just administrative failures — they’re responsible for the recent wave of police protests and the ever-declining morale among officers.
Beyond welfare, Adeyanju pointed to an even deeper crisis: a toxic culture of favoritism. He said the promotion system is no longer based on merit or service but rather tribalism and political connection — completely eroding professionalism within the ranks.
For him, the solution is simple but urgent: President Tinubu must remove IGP Egbetokun and bring in a reform-minded leader who believes in justice, fairness, and the dignity of every Nigerian — including the police officers themselves.
Adeyanju’s plea comes on the heels of another controversial police incident. Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was recently detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja — despite honouring an invitation. His lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, accused IGP Egbetokun of acting like both judge and jailer in Sowore’s case — reinforcing the fears Adeyanju raised.
For many Nigerians, these incidents are not isolated. They reflect a bigger truth — that the Nigeria Police Force is in crisis. And unless the leadership is urgently reset, public trust will completely collapse.
The ball is now in President Tinubu’s court. Will he defend democracy and reform the Force — or will he look away while the institution collapses under its own weight?
