Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has led a protest demanding the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged infractions.
The demonstration took place on Thursday, January 30, shortly after Sowore was granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sowore, alongside his supporters, marched through the streets of Abuja carrying placards with inscriptions such as #EgbetokunMustGo and chanting slogans calling for the IGP’s removal.
Allegations Against Egbetokun
Sowore accused Egbetokun of remaining in office beyond his retirement date, an action for which other officers had been penalized. He alleged that while some police personnel faced disciplinary action for the same offense, the IGP continued in office without repercussions.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore wrote:
“These two police officers @PoliceNG were found to have committed the same infraction by failing to relinquish their positions upon retirement. One Inspector Linus Okoro was taken into custody for wrongdoing, while the other, Kayode Egbetokun, proceeded to arrest citizens who called out his infractions. This is unfair! #RevolutionNow #EgbetokunMustGo.”
Sowore’s protest is the latest in a series of confrontations with Nigerian authorities, as he has consistently been vocal about issues of governance, human rights, and police accountability.
Legal Battle and Activism
Earlier in the day, the activist had appeared in court, where he was granted bail. Despite his legal challenges, Sowore wasted no time in returning to activism, mobilizing supporters to press for Egbetokun’s resignation.
His protest underscores growing concerns over police leadership and accountability in Nigeria, as civil society groups continue to demand transparency and adherence to the rule of law in public institutions.
While the police authorities have yet to respond to the allegations, the protest adds to mounting pressure on Egbetokun, whose tenure has faced criticism from various quarters.
Sowore remains steadfast in his activism, vowing to sustain the campaign until justice is served.