Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticised the leadership of the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, alleging that early developments under his tenure suggest indecisiveness within the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowore made the claims in a detailed post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he raised concerns over the handling of a case involving UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo.
In his post, Sowore wrote: “Signs of Weak Leadership Under New IGP @TunjiDisu1 Are Already Manifesting! In the last few days, troubling signs have emerged suggesting that the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police… may be indecisive and not sufficiently firm in managing the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force.”
According to him, the alleged signs of weakness within the police leadership could embolden “rogue elements” within the force.
“If these early signals are anything to go by, rogue elements within the Nigeria Police Force will quickly recognize and exploit this perceived weakness,” he said.
Allegations surrounding blogger’s prosecution
Sowore cited the case involving Badejo as an example of what he described as troubling developments under the current police leadership. The blogger was brought before a magistrate court on cybercrime-related allegations following complaints reportedly linked to two prominent Nigerian clerics, Johnson Suleman and Daniel Kolawole Olukoya.
Sowore claimed the court had granted Badejo bail but alleged that some police officers were dissatisfied with the ruling.
“The magistrate granted her bail, allowing her temporary freedom, but the officers involved, led by a notorious Superintendent of Police (SP) Smart Abubakar, weren’t happy and had tried to rearrest her and keep her in Kirikiri prison,” he wrote.
He further stated that following the development, Badejo travelled to Abuja after being informed that officials within the office of the Inspector-General wanted to meet with her.
According to Sowore, the Inspector-General’s Principal Staff Officer, CP Ahmed Lateef, requested a meeting involving Badejo and another individual identified as TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri. Sowore said both women attended the meeting with human rights lawyer Marshal D. F. Abubakar.
“During the discussion, PSO Lateef reportedly offered what he described as an ‘apology’ and stated that the new IGP would not want his tenure to be associated with abuse of citizens’ rights,” Sowore wrote, adding that he remained sceptical about the assurances.
“However, from the outset, there were reasons to treat that assurance cautiously. I know Lateef to be a cunning police officer.”
Sowore said he advised Badejo not to rely on the assurances and instead escalated the matter to the head of the police legal directorate.
“I decided to escalate the matter by contacting AIG Emmanuel Ade Aina, head of the Police Legal Directorate. AIG Aina indicated that he would ‘look into the matter.’ Many within the force describe him as capable and potentially upright, but often never straightforward in dealing with sensitive issues,” he said.
Court proceedings and concerns over prosecution
According to Sowore, after returning to Lagos, Badejo waited for further developments from police authorities but instead saw the situation escalate.
He claimed that the police unit handling the matter replaced the prosecutor with another officer identified as A. O. Nwabusi and scheduled the case before Justice Akintayo Aluko.
“The case was then scheduled before Justice Akintayo Aluko on Tuesday, but was miraculously shifted to a Friday — the day of the week often associated with tactical arraignments designed to keep defendants in custody over the weekend even when bail is granted,” Sowore alleged.
He added that after contacting AIG Aina again to ask why the prosecution was still proceeding, the response he received was unexpected.
“While admitting that, by drawing his attention to the matter, he had called for the file and review, he then asked why Maureen should not face trial, stating that he had not initially realized that she had allegedly offended Apostle Johnson Suleman and suggesting that nothing would stop the prosecution,” Sowore said.
Badejo was subsequently arraigned before Justice Aluko, where the case was adjourned until March 16, 2026.
Sowore expressed concern about the potential conditions for bail if granted at the next hearing.
“In Maureen’s case, the matter has now been adjourned until March 16, 2026. There are fears that if bail is granted at the next hearing, the conditions may be deliberately difficult for her to meet,” he wrote.
Sowore questions IGP’s leadership
In the post, Sowore argued that the developments reflect what he described as a leadership style under the new Inspector-General that may encourage impunity within the force.
“For me, this episode speaks to @TunjiDisu1’s leadership style at the Nigeria Police Force under his purview as the new Inspector-General. Officers who thrive in a system of abuse and impunity will definitely find comfort in a leadership style perceived as conciliatory and hesitant,” he stated.
He further claimed that some within the police system had begun comparing the leadership approach to that of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Some within the system already describe the new IGP as having plenty of demeanor but little decisive action — a comparison that has been likened to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership style,” Sowore wrote.
He concluded by urging continued advocacy for police reforms.
“If the early days of IGP Disu’s tenure are defined by hesitation rather than firm oversight, rogue officers within the Nigeria Police Force will feel emboldened to continue the very abuses he reportedly promised would not define his leadership. WE MUST BRACE AND FIGHT UNTIL WE GET THE Nigeria Police Force WE DESERVE.”
Police respond
Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed suggestions that the Inspector-General was reluctant to act.
In a statement shared on social media, Hundeyin said the police leadership would not be pressured into making unnecessary interventions in a matter already before the courts.
“The IGP will not be goaded into taking needless actions,” he wrote.
He noted that the case involving Badejo is currently being handled by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The case is already before a court of competent jurisdiction and is progressing well,” Hundeyin said.
He also warned against attempts to influence the process through public pressure.
“Sentiments or emotional blackmail will not cow the Force,” he stated.
According to the police spokesman, the Inspector-General remains committed to maintaining professionalism within the police service while ensuring accountability for officers who violate the law.
“IGP Olatunji Disu, psc(+), NPM remains resolute in ensuring professionalism amongst his officers while equally asserting that any officer found wanting would be decisively sanctioned, as no officer is above the law,” Hundeyin added.
The matter involving Badejo remains before the court and is expected to resume on March 16, when further proceedings will determine the next phase of the case.
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