By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, led a protest to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Sowore and his supporters alleged that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office violates constitutional provisions, describing his tenure extension as illegal. The protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace the police chief.
The protest follows Sowore’s consistent stance that Egbetokun’s tenure had expired and any extension granted was unconstitutional. He has also filed legal actions in this regard.
In response, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed Sowore’s claims, describing them as misleading and without legal basis. The police insist that the IGP’s appointment is lawful and within the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
The protest, which attracted attention from civil society groups and the media, adds to the growing public debate over leadership tenure in Nigeria’s security sector.