State Police: IGP Egbetokun Endorses Reforms, Promises Abuse Safeguards

Nigerians have received assurances from Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force Steering Committee on State Police, that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, is fully behind the ongoing efforts to establish state police. Ogunsakin emphasized that the proposed framework incorporates extensive safeguards designed to prevent power abuse and ensure accountability.

Speaking at the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police, Prof. Ogunsakin, representing the IGP, explained that he had been mandated to do so as the Police Steering Committee Chairman following a conversation with Egbetokun the previous night. He quoted, “I spoke with the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday night, and he asked that I should represent him as the Chairman of the Police Steering Committee on the establishment of state police.”

Addressing concerns about state Commissioners of Police potentially becoming tools for political oppression or defying governors, Ogunsakin clarified that the committee's submission to the Senate already includes multiple institutional safeguards. He stated, “The issue you raised is quite important, but we have to understand that there are processes in place. Within the submission of the committee to the Senate, we outlined several steps that can be taken to address these concerns.”

He elaborated that the proposed structure provides clear mechanisms for resolving disagreements between governors and state police commissioners, ensuring that the process won't depend solely on individual discretion. “In the case of Commissioners of Police disregarding the instructions of governors, there are already provisions within the framework that set out the processes to be followed. There will be boards, ombudsmen, State Police Service Commissions and several other oversight mechanisms that have been carefully taken into consideration.”

Ogunsakin highlighted the recent inauguration of the policing bill as a critical step in the reform process, noting that the legislation is expected to alleviate many stakeholder fears. “Having attended the inauguration of the policing bill two days ago, a great deal of work is expected to begin that will help alleviate those fears. The concerns that have been raised over the years are now being formally addressed.”

He characterized the current endeavor as the first comprehensive attempt to analyze both the advantages and potential drawbacks of decentralizing policing in Nigeria. “This is the first time we are putting all these issues on paper. This is the first time we are carefully examining both the advantages and the challenges. In a democracy, there will always be differing opinions, but ultimately, the views of the majority are taken into consideration.”

According to Ogunsakin, concerns regarding the shift from a centralized to a decentralized policing model are natural and will be addressed through legislative action, implementation, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. “Because we are moving from a centralised policing system to a decentralised one, many issues will naturally arise. Until the legal framework is completed and implementation begins, concerns will continue to be raised. That is why forums like this are important—they allow stakeholders to identify issues, discuss priorities and contribute to strengthening the process.”

He reaffirmed the Inspector General’s dedication to ensuring the Nigeria Police Force actively participates in shaping these reforms, rather than being excluded. “For the Inspector General of Police, he is very keen on ensuring that he supports this process. This is an ongoing process, and once it reaches its conclusion, we can then discuss the next steps.”

Ogunsakin also revealed that the IGP is in the process of forming an internal committee within the Nigeria Police Force to collaborate with the committee established by the Presidency, ensuring a unified approach to the reform. “I can assure you that the Inspector General of Police is setting up a committee to support the one already established by the Presidency because they cannot work independently of one another.”

He stressed the necessity for both the policing framework and the required constitutional amendments for state police to advance concurrently, emphasizing the indispensable role of the police in the reform. “When you look at the issues before us, there is the policing framework and there is the constitutional framework. As the Inspector General of Police has said many times, you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence.” He concluded, “This is why the Nigeria Police Force is critically involved as a partner in supporting this process, and I believe the President is taking the right approach at this point.”