A coalition of Nigerian youth, student, and civil society organizations is calling for the immediate dismissal of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, citing increasing allegations of police brutality and misconduct under his leadership. This demand follows the arrest of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Commandant Dickson Akoh and 16 officers, which the coalition views as a stark example of escalating abuses within the police force.
During an emergency press conference in Abuja, coalition leaders denounced IGP Egbetokun for allegedly ordering Akoh’s arrest over a tenancy dispute. Armed officers reportedly stormed the Peace Corps headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, forcibly entering Akoh’s office and detaining him and several personnel. Witnesses claimed that officers, accompanied by alleged thugs, vandalized property and ransacked offices.
Representatives, including Blessing Akinlosotu and Ademario Emmanuel from the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, issued an ultimatum for the immediate release of Akoh and a formal apology to the Peace Corps by October 28, 2024. They cautioned that failure to comply would result in 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, allowing the organization to resume normal operations.
