Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has launched a scathing attack on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of ignoring the dire conditions facing police pensioners and mismanaging welfare funds meant for serving officers.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Sowore described Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” and called his recent posture on police pension issues “mental deception.”
“The illegal IGP is employing tactics of mental deception, claiming ignorance about the challenges confronting police pensioners following retirement,” Sowore wrote.
The activist further alleged financial misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force, citing the misappropriation of ₦4 million in quarterly welfare allocations meant for state commands. He also pointed to persistent delays in salary, allowance, and emolument payments, which he said are undermining effective policing across the country.
“The IGP has been unable to address the welfare of active policemen… Delayed payments of salaries, allowances, and emoluments are a common occurrence that is militating against effective policing,” Sowore said.
Call for Nationwide Police Strike
In what could spark a significant confrontation within Nigeria’s security architecture, Sowore urged police officers to prepare for a nationwide strike starting July 21, citing prolonged neglect of welfare and retirement entitlements.
“The push for enhanced welfare for the Nigeria Police Force is something we are resolutely committed to… We urge police officers to be prepared for a nationwide industrial action starting from July 21 or whenever they deem fit.”
Longstanding Crisis in Police Welfare
The Nigeria Police Force has been plagued by welfare-related issues for years. Retired officers often face months—sometimes years—of delay in receiving their pensions, while serving personnel endure low wages, inadequate housing, and lack of proper equipment.
In 2022, the House of Representatives called for a complete overhaul of the police pension scheme, following widespread protests and reports of irregularities. Despite policy pledges, implementation of reforms has been slow and inconsistent.
Sowore emphasized that what is needed now is not symbolic gestures but structural reform.
“These issues demand more than superficial interventions. A thorough harmonisation of the police pension system is necessary to ensure standardised payment rates for all retiring officers, just like IGs, AIGs, and DIGs,” he said.
As tension grows within the force, the federal government may soon be forced to address what is fast becoming a critical test of leadership and public trust in Nigeria’s policing system.