Abuse of Power: CSO Urges Tinubu to Call IGP Egbetokun to Order

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to immediately intervene and call the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order over alleged continuous abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law.

The call came from the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), a civil society organization, during a press conference held Wednesday in Abuja. INAHURAT alleged that the IGP has been using his position to shield influential individuals involved in fraudulent activities from prosecution.

Barrister Maxwell Chibuike Okpara, a director at INAHURAT, specifically accused IGP Egbetokun of protecting one Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Bilikusi Ishaku Aliyu. She is accused of conspiracy, forgery of titles, theft, criminal trespass, and fraudulent sale of properties located at Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe, as well as Plot 4022 in Gusape District, Abuja.

According to Okpara, instead of taking action based on a petition filed against the suspect, the IGP allegedly chose to shield her from facing justice. This, he claims, has left the victim, 79-year-old Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, vulnerable to injustice.

Following the IGP’s inaction, INAHURAT forwarded a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which promptly launched an investigation. However, the group claims the IGP attempted to interfere with the EFCC’s investigation to frustrate its progress.

Despite the alleged interference, the EFCC conducted a thorough investigation, prepared a report, and filed a suit seeking a forfeiture order against the suspect. The court has since ordered Bilikusi Ishaku Aliyu to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to Mrs. Yesufu.

Okpara further alleged that in response to the EFCC’s actions, the IGP’s office quickly filed criminal charges against the suspect—not to pursue justice, but to divert attention and undermine the EFCC’s work.

Expressing a loss of confidence in the IGP, INAHURAT called on President Tinubu to order a full-scale investigation into the matter. The organization also urged the National Assembly to scrutinize the conduct of the police and hold accountable those found guilty of abusing their power.

“The Nigerian Police Force’s attempt to manipulate this case, obstruct due process, and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability,” Okpara stated. “We refuse to stand by while the rights of innocent citizens, especially vulnerable individuals like a 79-year-old grandmother, are trampled upon by those entrusted with upholding the law.”

INAHURAT reaffirmed its commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice, demanding immediate intervention from the President, EFCC, judiciary, and other relevant authorities to ensure justice prevails.

It is worth noting that the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on December 30, 2024, on behalf of the IGP. The statement denied any interference in the alleged trespass case and dismissed the allegations by the group as mischievous.