In a recent statement titled “ALERT”, investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has warned pedestrians to avoid CMD Road in Lagos between 11 pm and 12 am due to frequent police harassment and extortion by the Ketu division.
Soyombo who made a post on his social media accounts claimed that officers from this division often target individuals on foot, demanding a minimum bail of N50,000.
The journalist further emphasized the need for caution, especially during the holiday season, urging pedestrians to save their money for celebrations rather than falling prey to corrupt police practices.
“If you’re on foot rather than travelling by car or using other transport, please avoid CMD Road in Lagos once it’s 11pm and specifically around 12am. Especially in this season.
“@policeng men from the Ketu division have a habit of picking up anyone spotted. Their least bail demand is N50,000. I personally witnessed it exactly one week ago, and I understand it’s a frquent practice. Save your money for Yuletide/New Year’s Day chicken o!”, he wrote.
The Nigerian police have faced numerous allegations of abuse of power and misconduct. A prominent example is the abduction of Lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was abducted from his office in Lagos and drove down to Ekiti for writing a book criticizing the Nigerian justice system. Another case involves the arrest of activist Olamide Thomas, who has since been detained since four days after calling out the police for their harassment on peaceful protesters.
These incidents highlight a concerning trend of police intimidation and the suppression of dissent in Nigeria.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has has also called for the immediate removal of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of egregious human rights violations and collusion with powerful elites.
In a statement released on Friday night, titled “WHY NIGERIANS MUST FORCE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE KAYODE EGBETOKUN OUT OF OFFICE NOW!”, Sowore detailed a series of alleged abuses of power and misconduct by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He further highlighted a number of concerning incidents, including the murder of #EndBadGovernance protesters and the prosecution of minors for treason.
Sowore’s statement calls attention to the urgent need for accountability and transparency within the Nigerian police force. He argues that Egbetokun’s actions have undermined the rule of law and the rights of Nigerian citizens, and that his removal is necessary to restore public trust in the police force.
“This illegal IG of the Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, has engaged in egregious violations of human rights since @officialABAT appointed him and illegally extended his tenure. He was the person who ordered the murders of #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protesters, he orchestrated the prosecution of minors for treason.”, he wrote.
Sowore further accused IGP Kayode Egbetokun of using his position to target and silence critics on behalf of powerful individuals, “He has assisted powerful elites in arresting and jailing their critics, including @delefarotimi whom he abducted from Lagos to Ekiti on behalf of Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Speed Darlington, a musician is languishing in detention because he had a beef with Burna Boy, The Big Masquerade has spent months in prison now because IGP Egbetokun connived with Evang. Chukwuebuka Obi to silence him, and now this lady, Olamide Abiodun Thomas, had to be flown to Abuja because she made Facebook posts about the IGP and @Princemoye1, who’s had personal issues with her in Ogun State.”
In conclusion, Sowore emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that if no action is taken against the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun’s continued abuse of power could lead to the downfall of the Nigerian Police. He urged Nigerians to demand Egbetokun’s removal, “IGP KAYODE EGBETOKUN will destroy the Nigeria Police IF WE DON’T ACT NOW. #EgbetokunMustGo”.
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