In a press conference held on November 6, 2024, the Lygel Youths & Leadership Initiatives (LYGEL) demanded the immediate removal of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
Citing recent cases of alleged mistreatment of minors in police custody, LYGEL claims the police leadership has failed to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable children.
Speaking at the event, Lekan Oladapo, LYGEL’s Director of Legal Compliance, argued that the Nigerian Police Force, established under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, is mandated to uphold and enforce the rule of law. “The Police Force is bound to observe the laws it was created to protect, yet it has failed to follow these principles in its treatment of minors,” Oladapo stated.
According to Oladapo, the arrest and subsequent detention of minors alongside adult detainees amounts to a “gross violation” of Sections 11 and 34 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Child Rights Act, which protect children’s rights to dignity and humane treatment. He criticized the police for allegedly subjecting these young detainees to inhumane conditions, calling it “an assault on the collective intelligence of Nigerian citizens.”
Beyond this incident, LYGEL raised concerns about broader issues within the police structure, accusing the IGP of “disregard for judicial orders” and pointing to recent cases where the IGP allegedly ignored directives from the Police Service Commission (PSC) to reinstate dismissed officers. “The IGP’s refusal to obey court judgments and directives from the PSC has contributed to an atmosphere of lawlessness within the force,” Oladapo claimed.
LYGEL also took the opportunity to call for extensive reforms within the police structure, specifically urging the federal government to redefine the role of the Police Council to go beyond advisory responsibilities in IGP appointments. “The IGP’s power, left unchecked, has become vulnerable to political manipulation, impacting the objectivity and integrity of police operations,” Oladapo added.
In a closing statement, LYGEL called on President Tinubu and the Police Council to act decisively to restore the public’s trust in the police. “If the IGP is not removed or resigns, we are prepared to pursue necessary legal measures to compel Mr. President and his advisers to address this crisis,” said Oladapo.
LYGEL’s calls for accountability echo wider demands for police reform and respect for human rights across Nigeria, with a particular focus on protecting the rights and dignity of minors in custody. The group expressed its commitment to pursuing good governance, responsible leadership, and reforms that ensure the rule of law is upheld within the Nigerian Police Force.
