EXCLUSIVE: IGP Egbetokun Defies Tinubu, Approves Police Escorts for INEC Officials Nationwide

Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Egbetokun, has reportedly approved police escorts for all INEC officials, including National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and other Directors of the Commission across the country.

The approval comes despite a directive from President Bola Tinubu ordering the withdrawal of police security personnel from VIPs and government officials. The decision has raised questions about protocol, security, and the independence of law enforcement in electoral matters, especially as preparations for upcoming elections intensify.

Documents obtained by SaharaReporters confirm that the continued deployment of police officers to INEC officials has been officially sanctioned by the IGP. No statement has yet been issued by the IGP’s office or the presidency regarding the matter.

#IGPControversy #Tinubu #INECSecurity #NigeriaPolitics

52 Suspects Arrested In Ekpoma For Looting, Vandalism — IGP

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that 52 suspects were arrested during the recent protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, for alleged looting and vandalism.

According to the IGP, residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities had taken to the streets to protest the rising cases of kidnapping in the area. However, the protests were reportedly hijacked by criminal elements who engaged in the destruction of property and looting, leading to the arrests.

The police leadership reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters while warning that criminal acts would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

#EdoState #NigeriaPolice #SecurityUpdate #NigeriaNews

Kano Family Massacre: Police Arrest Woman’s Nephew as Prime Suspect in Killing of Housewife, Six Children

The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the brutal murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano. Police identified the victim’s 23-year-old nephew, Umar Auwalu, as the prime suspect, alleging he confessed to masterminding the attack. Two others, Isyaku “Chebe” Yakubu and Yakubu “Wawo” Abdulaziz, were also arrested during an intelligence-led operation ordered by the IGP. Authorities recovered bloodstained clothes, phones, weapons and cash, as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the crime.

#KanoAttack
#NigeriaCrime
#JusticeForVictims

Illegal Arrest: Court Tell Make Dem Serve IGP, AGF for Sowore N1.2bn Human Rights Case

Federal High Court for Abuja don order make hearing notice reach Police IG, Kayode Egbetokun, and Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, for human rights case wey activist Omoyele Sowore file. Sowore dey demand ₦1.2 billion, accuse police of illegal arrest, detention and assault.

The matter start after police rearrest am for Kuje Magistrate Court on October 23, 2025, just after dem grant am bail, because of im involvement for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Sowore talk say im arrest over peaceful protest break im rights to freedom, movement and human dignity under Nigerian Constitution.

Justice Umar order make dem properly serve the defendants and adjourn case till March 10, 2026 for hearing. Sowore lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, complain say none of the defendants show for court, accuse police of acting with impunity.

Marshal insist say protest na legal right, say person wey no commit crime no suppose face arrest or detention. The suit seek ₦1bn punitive damages, ₦200m extra damages, public apology and retraction, stressing say the case no be only for Sowore but to protect Nigerians’ right to peaceful protest.

Is IGP Kayode Egbetokun Headed to Prison? Can Nigeria’s Police Chief Be Jailed for Defying Court Orders Over SARS Abduction and Disappearance of Lagos Resident?

Is Nigeria’s top police officer facing imprisonment for ignoring a federal court? The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, now risks being committed to Kuje Correctional Centre after allegedly refusing to comply with binding court orders concerning the abduction and disappearance of John Chukwuemeka Anozie, a Lagos resident taken from his Lekki home in June 2017.

Legal action was initiated by Vincent Adodo, counsel to Anozie’s wife, who has filed contempt proceedings against the IGP for what he describes as persistent disobedience of a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The ruling, delivered on September 24, 2025 by Justice Binta Nyako, arose from a Freedom of Information (FOI) suit filed by Mrs. Nnenna Anozie after years of unanswered requests for investigation records relating to her husband’s disappearance.

In its judgment, the court ordered the IGP—who failed to file any defence—to produce for prosecution former officers of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) from Akwuzu, Anambra State, accused of abducting Anozie. The court further awarded ₦2 million in damages against the IGP for refusing to release investigation reports and directed him to forward both the police investigation file and the legal opinion recommending prosecution to the Attorney General of the Federation.

The judgment explicitly noted that police authorities had failed to prosecute the officers despite an internal legal opinion recommending criminal charges. Those listed include ASP Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Sgt. Uzochukwu Emeana, John Eze, Oriole (aka T-Boy), and SP Sunday Okpe.

Yet months after being served with the court order in October 2025, the IGP has allegedly neither prosecuted the officers nor paid the ₦2 million damages. In response, Anozie’s lawyer triggered enforcement by serving the police chief with Form 48 (Notice of Consequences of Disobedience) and Form 49 (Notice of Committal to Prison)—legal steps that can result in imprisonment for contempt of court.

Court filings now show that Mrs. Anozie is seeking an order to commit the IGP to prison until he obeys the court by releasing certified investigation reports, transmitting the case file to the Attorney General, handing over the indicted officers for prosecution, and paying the damages awarded.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 9, 2025, when the IGP is expected to “show cause” why he should not be jailed for contempt.

Beyond the personal tragedy of a family still searching for answers after eight years, the case raises a larger constitutional question: Can Nigeria’s most powerful police officer be held personally accountable for disobeying court orders? The outcome could set a critical precedent for rule of law, police accountability, and victims’ access to justice in cases of alleged state abuse.

As the hearing approaches, legal observers, human rights advocates, and the public are watching closely: Will the judiciary enforce its authority against the nation’s police chief—or will impunity prevail once again?

Did an Ondo DPO Assault a Lawyer at a Police Station? Why a Law Firm Has Petitioned the IGP and Police Service Commission Over Alleged Abuse of Power

A Lagos- and Ondo-based law firm, Tope Temokun Chambers, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and other oversight bodies over allegations of assault, intimidation, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ore Division in Ondo State, Mr. Moses Adeduro.

According to the petitions, the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when one of the firm’s lawyers, Adedotun Emmanuel Adegoroye, Esq., accompanied a client—Mrs. Stella Oluwasegun, Managing Director of Niret Marketing Product Company Limited—to the Ore Divisional Police Station to formally report a case of alleged stealing and criminal conversion of company goods valued at about ₦20.4 million.

The firm stated that the complaint followed the discovery that some employees of the company, allegedly acting in collaboration with a supplier’s staff and a driver, unlawfully removed and sold company goods. It added that some receivers of the allegedly stolen items had already been arrested prior to the visit.

However, the law firm alleged that upon arrival at the police station, officers attempted to coerce the complainant into an informal settlement without first taking her statement or properly documenting the complaint. When their counsel reportedly objected and insisted on due process, he was directed to see the DPO.

What happened next, according to the petition, escalated into intimidation and physical assault. The firm alleged that the DPO dismissed the presence of legal representation, reportedly stating that lawyers were not needed at the police station, and ordered that the lawyer be forcibly removed from his office. In the process, a police officer was said to have physically grabbed and ejected the lawyer.

Tope Temokun Chambers described the alleged conduct as a grave abuse of office, an unlawful assault on a legal practitioner, and a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. The firm argued that the actions violated multiple laws, including the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Police Act and Regulations, and the Legal Practitioners Act, all of which guarantee citizens’ right to legal representation and protect lawyers in the lawful discharge of their duties.

In its petitions, the firm demanded:

An immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the DPO and other officers involved, with appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are proven;

A formal written apology to the affected lawyer; and

That the underlying criminal complaint be taken over by higher police authorities to ensure impartial investigation and public confidence.


The firm further claimed it had been reliably informed of similar complaints of misconduct previously made against the same DPO, raising concerns about a possible pattern of abuse of authority.

Emphasising that the petitions were filed in the interest of justice and professionalism, the firm stressed that lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation, urging authorities to act decisively to uphold the rule of law and restore confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

IGP Olukayode Egbetokun Deploys DIG Gumel, Reassigns 17 Commissioners to Strengthen Police Operations Across Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has deployed newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel to lead the Force Intelligence Department and reassigned 17 Commissioners of Police to strategic commands, departments, and formations nationwide. The redeployments, announced by Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, aim to enhance operational capacity, leadership, public safety, and service delivery within the Nigeria Police Force. Key appointments include CP Aina Adesola to Delta State, CP Umar Mohammed Hajedia to Kebbi State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edobor to Bayelsa State, and several senior officers to specialized units like anti-human trafficking, maritime, and community policing. Officers were charged to demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in their new assignments.

#NigeriaPolice #IGPDeployments #DIGGumel #PoliceReassignments #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Orders Commissioners to Redeploy Withdrawn VIP Police Escorts to Anti-Crime Operations Nationwide, Places SPU Bases Under State Command Control

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all state Commissioners of Police to take immediate control of Special Protection Unit (SPU) bases in their jurisdictions and redeploy officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties to frontline anti-crime operations across the country. The order was conveyed in an internal wireless message issued by the Department of Operations (DOPS) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, dated January 5, 2026, and obtained by SaharaReporters.

According to the directive, all personnel previously assigned to VIP escort services are to be reassigned to conventional policing roles aimed at crime prevention, detection, and response, reflecting a force-wide strategy to strengthen operational capacity amid rising insecurity nationwide. Commissioners were also instructed to organise training programmes for redeployed officers “where necessary” to ensure effectiveness in their new assignments.

In addition, each state command is required to submit a comprehensive list of the affected personnel to Force Headquarters for documentation, oversight, and monitoring, while acknowledging receipt of the directive for “strict compliance.”

The move places SPU bases under the direct command of state police formations and signals a significant policy shift away from elite protection toward bolstering routine policing. Analysts view the decision as part of broader efforts by the police leadership to optimise manpower deployment, curb crime more aggressively, and restore public confidence in internal security operations across Nigeria.

Nigerian Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement as Court Adjourns Case to January 20

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has paused enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide after a Federal High Court issued an interim order restraining the force. The policy, initially set to resume on January 2, 2026, had been announced on December 15, 2025, citing public safety and security concerns.

The Police have formally applied to vacate the interim order and have raised preliminary objections in court, which has adjourned the matter to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. In the meantime, enforcement remains suspended. IGP Kayode Egbetokun emphasized the Police’s commitment to the rule of law and assured the public that updates and guidance will be provided following the court’s decision.

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#TintedGlassPolicy #NigeriaPolice #CourtAdjournment #NPF #PublicSafety #RuleOfLaw #NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdate

IGP Monitoring Unit Led by CP Akin Fakorede Accused of Assaulting Journalists and Workers During Abuja Estate Protest Amid Land Dispute


Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, allegedly led by CP Akin Fakorede, have been accused of violently attacking journalists and workers of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited during a peaceful protest at an estate site in Wuye, Abuja. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday afternoon as company staff gathered to protest what they described as the unlawful occupation of their land by armed police officers, despite a court judgment affirming Simonis Ventures as the rightful owner.

According to the company, the protest was meant to precede a press briefing on the alleged illegal takeover when hoodlums, said to be acting with police backing, attacked protesters. Several workers sustained injuries, while two journalists covering the event were reportedly assaulted and later taken for emergency medical treatment. Video footage of the incident shows protesters fleeing as police operatives charged at them.

Simonis Ventures accused the IGP Monitoring Unit of disregarding judicial authority, facilitating land grabbing, and operating without transparency, alleging that officers were stationed on the property without legal justification, refused to identify themselves, and declined press inquiries. The company described the deployment as a misuse of police resources amid national insecurity and called it a threat to public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The firm has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate withdrawal of officers from the site, initiate an internal investigation into the Monitoring Unit’s role, and uphold the court verdict. The allegations come despite repeated directives by the IGP warning officers to stay away from civil land disputes, stressing that police involvement in such matters undermines the integrity of the Force.

“We’re Living in Fear”: Anambra Widow Petitions IGP Over Alleged Police Intimidation, Family Harassment, Property Fraud and Circumstances Surrounding Husband’s Death
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An Anambra State widow, Mrs. Ebere Chibueze, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging years of intimidation, harassment, and abuse of police authority by her late husband’s relatives and their associates before and after his death. She claims her husband, Mr. Nnamdi Chibueze—who reportedly changed his surname due to family hostility—was repeatedly arrested on what she describes as false criminal allegations, leading to severe health complications that culminated in kidney failure and his death in October 2025.

The widow further alleges that family members and a businessman obstructed access to property documents needed to fund her husband’s overseas medical treatment, actions she says directly denied him a chance to survive. Following his death, she claims police intimidation escalated, including the arrest of her elderly mother days before the burial and attempts to disrupt funeral arrangements. While a family representative acknowledged long-standing internal conflicts and supported a full investigation, he said he could not independently verify claims of fraud or police misconduct. Mrs. Chibueze has called for a comprehensive investigation and accountability, stating that she and her children now live in fear for their safety.

Tinubu Urges National Assembly to Summon IGP Kayode Egbetokun Over State Police Plan, Says Safeguards Needed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to address concerns surrounding the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria. Speaking at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that while state police is a necessary step to tackle terrorism, banditry, and rising insecurity, lawmakers must put strong safeguards in place to prevent abuse of power. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralised policing, as debates over state police continue to gain momentum nationwide amid worsening security challenges.

IGP Monitoring Unit Head Fakorede Accused of Supporting Enugu Govt Land Grab in Abuja Despite Court Orders

A representative of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited has accused CP Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, of colluding with the Enugu State Government to seize land in Abuja, despite a 2016 court ruling confirming Simonis Ventures’ ownership. In a video, the company’s spokesperson alleged that forged documents were used to undermine the court verdict and that police officers were deployed to support the Enugu authorities in defiance of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s directives against police involvement in civil land disputes. Court documents and legal letters confirm that Simonis Ventures holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy and the 2016 judgment remains binding. The company is calling on the IGP to intervene and ensure compliance with the law.

IGP Egbetokun Approves Mobilisation of 700+ Police Officers to Counter-Terrorism Unit

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has sanctioned the mobilisation of over 700 police officers across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory and Police Mobile Force, to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU). The move comes amid ongoing threats from terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The internal police signal, dated December 18, 2025, detailed the deployment numbers for each state, with the FCT Command contributing the highest at 121 officers. Senior police formations were instructed to release personnel to proceed with the deployment, underscoring a nationwide effort to bolster counter-terrorism capabilities.

#NigeriaPolice
#CounterTerrorismUnit
#IGPEgbetokun

Nigeria Police Chief Orders Nationwide Shake-Up, Reassigns Dozens of Senior Officers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed an extensive redeployment of senior officers across Nigeria, affecting dozens of Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Superintendents of Police (SUPOLs). The postings, effective January 1, 2026, cover Mobile Police units, Interpol, Anti-Human Trafficking, Maritime, Disaster Management, Intelligence, Finance, and specialized tactical units like Bomb Disposal, K-9, and Mounted Police. Key area commands and state commands have also been reshuffled to strengthen operational efficiency. The IGP emphasized that officers must strictly adhere to the Force’s disciplinary hierarchy and not wear higher ranks until officially promoted.

#NigeriaPolice
#PoliceShakeUp

IGP REAFFIRMS CRIMES FIGHTING VISION AT SENIOR OFFICERS ELEVATION
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‎The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, service excellence and people-centred policing at a senior officers’ ceremony that highlighted the Force’s vision and mission.
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‎ Inspector general of police Kayode Egbetokun emphasized that career advancement within the NPF is a deliberate, transparent and merit-based process anchored on integrity, leadership capacity and proven service, rather than a routine administrative exercise.

NSCDC Operative Allegedly Shoots Five Traders At Jos Market As Rights Groups Petition IGP Egbetokun, Attorney-General For Justice

An operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has allegedly shot and injured five unarmed traders at the Bukuru Filin Sarki Market in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking outrage from civil society groups and community leaders. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with the victims sustaining gunshot injuries while conducting lawful business activities. In response, human rights organisations and peace advocates have petitioned the NSCDC Commandant-General, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding the arrest and prosecution of the officer involved. The petition describes the shooting as a gross abuse of power and a violation of constitutional and international human rights laws, calling for an independent investigation, compensation for victims, and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.

Nigerian Court Asked to Jail IGP Egbetokun and Police Spokesperson Hundeyin Over Alleged Tinted Glass Policy Contempt

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has been urged to commit the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, and AIG Emmanuel Aina to prison for alleged contempt of court. The application was filed by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins on behalf of tinted vehicle owners, citing violation of a court order that restrained enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy. The court is being asked to nullify the police directive issued on December 15, 2025, and ensure the senior officers face consequences until they purge themselves of the alleged contempt.

IGP Orders Nationwide Heightened Security For Yuletide; Police Bomb, Counter-Terrorism Units On High Alert

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a nationwide strategic deployment of police personnel and operational units to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Yuletide season. In a statement by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP ordered intensified patrols, visible policing, intelligence-led operations, and engagement with communities. Specialized units, including the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Highway Patrol, and Marine Police, are on heightened alert. Key focus areas include worship centres, recreational spots, markets, transport hubs, highways, and critical infrastructure. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report suspicious activities as the Nigeria Police Force commits to maintaining security across the country.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Clarifies Presidential Escort Redeployment, Officers Still Deployed in Lagos Near Tinubu

Contrary to earlier reports, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has not demobilised officers attached to the Presidential Escort at the State House, Abuja. Sources confirm that the redeployed officers are now stationed across state commands, with some currently in Lagos providing security around President Bola Tinubu’s residence. The redeployment is part of a broader initiative to redirect police resources toward core policing duties amid rising insecurity nationwide. The move, which has drawn mixed reactions from politicians and the public, emphasizes the need for ordinary citizens’ safety while maintaining presidential security during Tinubu’s holiday stay in Lagos.