A coalition of retired senior police officers has issued a powerful statement of solidarity with activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, following what they describe as a “coordinated campaign of persecution” by the Nigeria Police Force under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun.
In a press briefing held in Abuja, the retired officers—many of whom served in top command positions—declared their unwavering support for Sowore, who is currently facing multiple charges including forgery, defamation, and incitement to mutiny. The officers accused the IGP of weaponizing the justice system to silence dissent and shield corrupt officials within the force.
“We’ll die with Sowore if that’s what it takes,” said retired Commissioner of Police Musa Adamu. “He speaks for those of us who have been cast aside, who served this country with integrity only to watch corruption flourish under the very institution we once led.”
The group condemned the recent court order obtained by the IGP to access Sowore’s bank records, calling it a “desperate fishing expedition” aimed at intimidating a vocal critic of police leadership. They also criticized the IGP’s tenure extension, which Sowore has publicly opposed, and described it as unconstitutional and self-serving.
The retired officers demanded an independent investigation into the IGP’s conduct and called on civil society organizations, the judiciary, and international human rights bodies to intervene.
“Sowore is not the enemy,” said retired DCP Grace Okon. “The enemy is the rot within the system that punishes truth-tellers and rewards cronies.”