The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has condemned what it described as a coordinated smear campaign against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, asserting that such attacks will not derail ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement released on Friday, May 30, 2025, CASA President Charles Egbunike urged Nigerians to disregard what he called baseless and malicious allegations targeting the IGP.
He claimed the campaign was part of a larger effort to undermine both Egbetokun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him.
“These attacks are not just against the IGP—they are meant to discredit the President as well,” Egbunike stated.
“They stem from Egbetokun’s long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, dating back to his tenure as Chief Security Officer during Tinubu’s time as Lagos State Governor.”
Egbunike accused disgruntled elements, including those affected by recent police reforms, of sponsoring negative media reports.
He cited the IGP’s enforcement of service year and retirement regulations as a major source of discontent among some former beneficiaries of the system.
“These individuals thrived under a system of impunity, which Egbetokun is dismantling.
Now, they are funding online attacks using faceless platforms,” he said. “Very soon, we will expose the masterminds, including a retired senior police officer bitter over his exit from office.”
Also speaking, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Idris Dauda Dabban described Egbetokun as a disciplined, hardworking, and principled leader.
Dabban, who was a coursemate of the IGP at the Police Academy, said he had firsthand knowledge of his professionalism and strong work ethic.
“He is humble, selfless, and passionate about policing,” Dabban said.
“We trained together, worked in the same units, and even lived in the same barracks.
I know his character. He is incorruptible and fully committed to national service.”
Dabban emphasized that Egbetokun’s leadership is already yielding positive changes, and warned critics to stop their “selfish and myopic” attacks.
Echoing these sentiments, CASA Secretary-General Emamode Peters praised Egbetokun’s dedication, discipline, and intellectual depth.
“He leads from the front,” Peters said. “He works long hours—often more than 14 hours a day—and pushes for results.
He’s committed to rooting out laziness and restoring professionalism to the Nigeria Police Force.”
Peters concluded that Nigerians are fortunate to have a reform-minded, ethical leader at the helm of the police, urging continued public support for the IGP’s transformative agenda.
