A security expert, retired Commissioner of Police Tajudeen Oladele, has explained that sustained criticism and attacks against former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun were largely linked to resistance from groups affected by reforms introduced during his tenure.
Oladele said some individuals and interests opposed disciplinary measures and structural changes implemented in the Nigeria Police Force, which triggered campaigns aimed at discrediting the former police chief.
According to the expert, one of the early challenges Egbetokun confronted after assuming office was the widespread falsification of service records within the police.
Investigations were conducted and officers involved were identified and reported to the Police Service Commission for disciplinary action.
Oladele said the action led to the removal of officers found culpable in the falsification of records, which generated opposition from individuals affected by the reforms.
The security expert also pointed to a dispute involving a group of cadet officers who sought to remain in service beyond their statutory period by relying on a judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
According to him, investigations later revealed that the court judgment was based on a signal allegedly issued from the Office of the Force Secretary and transmitted through the Sokoto State Command. However, the signal was discovered to be fabricated.
Oladele stated: “Our investigation confirmed that no such signal emanated from the Office of the Force Secretary.”
He said the findings were forwarded to the Police Service Commission, which subsequently took disciplinary action against the officers involved.
The expert also alleged that some wealthy individuals affected by disciplinary actions allegedly funded media campaigns aimed at undermining Egbetokun’s leadership.
According to him, another group dissatisfied with amendments to the Nigeria Police Act, which allowed Egbetokun to remain in office for a four-year tenure, also joined the criticisms.
He further said some senior police officers who aspired to become Inspector-General allegedly supported narratives against the former police chief.
Oladele said the controversies surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure reflect the challenges often faced when institutional reforms are introduced within large security organisations.
He added that despite the criticisms and media attacks, the former police chief continued to focus on internal discipline and operational reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
The security expert maintained that opposition to disciplinary measures, disagreements over legal interpretations, and resistance to police reforms contributed to the criticisms directed at former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
He said Egbetokun remained focused on advancing policing reforms despite the controversies surrounding his leadership.
