 has come out strongly in defense of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.){kind=link}
The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has come out strongly in defense of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, denouncing what it described as a deliberate and malicious smear campaign targeted at discrediting his leadership and undermining ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement released on Friday, May 30, 2025, CASA President Charles Egbunike called on Nigerians to disregard the unfounded attacks, which he said were aimed not only at tarnishing Egbetokun’s reputation but also at dragging down President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He argued that the IGP is being targeted largely because of his close ties with the President, having served as Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer during his time as Lagos State Governor.
Egbunike maintained that those orchestrating the smear campaign are individuals and groups who have lost influence following recent restructuring within the police.
He stated that many of the reforms introduced by the IGP—particularly his enforcement of laws relating to retirement and tenure—have rattled those accustomed to benefiting from a corrupt system.
According to him, these disgruntled elements are now teaming up with certain online media operatives, who are allegedly being paid to discredit Egbetokun through coordinated falsehoods.
He accused these actors of attempting to revive an era of impunity and mismanagement, which Egbetokun has been working hard to dismantle since assuming office.
The CASA president also hinted that the organization would soon begin revealing the identities of individuals sponsoring the online propaganda, including a retired senior police officer allegedly unhappy about the circumstances surrounding his exit from service.
Egbunike warned that this attack goes beyond one individual and represents a broader effort to destabilize the country’s internal security systems.
Speaking in support of Egbetokun, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Idris Dauda Dabban, described the IGP as a professional and disciplined officer whose leadership is reshaping the Nigerian Police Force for the better.
Dabban, who shared a long-standing personal and professional relationship with Egbetokun, described him as a humble, forward-thinking leader who has always prioritized integrity and efficiency in service.
Dabban recounted their shared history, beginning from their time as coursemates at the Police Academy to working together in the same units and living in the same police barracks.
Through those years, he said, he came to know Egbetokun as someone driven by duty, committed to fairness, and fully focused on achieving results.
According to Dabban, the IGP has consistently demonstrated proactivity, ethical conduct, and a strong sense of national unity, rising above tribal or religious sentiments in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He added that Egbetokun has always upheld the highest standards, rejecting any form of misconduct and demanding the same from those under his command.
Describing him as incorruptible and results-driven, Dabban said Nigerians are fortunate to have a man of such character at the helm of the nation’s police institution.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Secretary-General of CASA, Emamode Peters, applauded the IGP’s commitment to professional policing and institutional reform.
Peters described Egbetokun as a disciplined and well-educated officer whose leadership style has brought renewed focus and energy into the operations of the police force.
He remarked that Egbetokun works tirelessly, often spending more than 14 hours at his desk and continuing official engagements well into the early hours of the morning.
According to Peters, the IGP’s dedication to work is not performative but reflective of a deep commitment to restoring the dignity and functionality of the Force.
He emphasized that under Egbetokun’s leadership, there is no room for laziness or unprofessional behavior, noting that the IGP’s habit of leading by example has inspired many officers to become more diligent and accountable.
CASA reaffirmed its confidence in Egbetokun’s ability to deliver on his mandate and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Inspector General in his efforts to reform the police and enhance internal security across the country.
The group warned that no amount of media blackmail or character attacks would derail the momentum of positive change currently taking place within the Force.