A coalition of Nigerian youth, student, and civil society organizations has demanded the immediate dismissal of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, citing alleged police brutality and misconduct. This call follows the arrest of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Commandant Dickson Akoh and 16 officers, an incident the coalition views as emblematic of escalating abuse within the police force.
During an emergency press conference in Abuja, coalition leaders condemned IGP Egbetokun for allegedly ordering Akoh’s arrest over a tenancy dispute. Armed officers reportedly stormed the Peace Corps headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, forcefully entering Akoh’s office and detaining him and several personnel. Witnesses claimed the officers, accompanied by thugs, vandalized property and ransacked offices.
Representatives, including Blessing Akinlosotu and Ademario Emmanuel of the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, issued an ultimatum for the release of Akoh and an apology to the Peace Corps by October 28, 2024. They warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to large-scale peaceful protests at the National Assembly and police headquarters.
The coalition also urged authorities to unseal the Peace Corps headquarters, which was closed following the arrests, to restore normal operations.
