Controversial Appointment Sparks Concern: DCP Akin Fakorede To Head IGP Monitoring Unit

The appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akin Fakorede to lead the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit has ignited widespread unease. Known for his controversial past, including allegations of police brutality, election rigging, and misconduct during his tenure as commander of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Fakorede’s selection has drawn criticism from activists, political parties, and human rights organizations.

A History of Allegations

Fakorede’s tenure in Rivers State (2016–2019) was marred by accusations of extrajudicial killings, harassment, and electoral manipulation. Reports from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further implicated him in these activities, with some panels recommending his dismissal or demotion.

Election Violence: During the 2017 Rivers State elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Fakorede of targeting their supporters, leading to deaths and injuries.
INEC Indictment: An official INEC report highlighted incidents where Fakorede allegedly assaulted staff and disrupted collation centers.
High-Profile Case: Fakorede was linked to the killing of Dr. Ferry Gberegbe, a university lecturer, during the 2019 Rivers governorship election.

Continued Controversy Across States

Beyond Rivers State, Fakorede has been accused of land grabbing and using force to settle disputes in Anambra State. Families and activists have lodged multiple petitions against him, citing illegal arrests and threats, including a notable 2022 case involving a 72-year-old woman allegedly targeted over a personal dispute.

Public Backlash

Civil society and human rights advocates argue that appointing an officer with such a tainted record undermines efforts to reform Nigeria’s police force. The appointment risks further eroding public trust and jeopardizing international partnerships aimed at curbing police misconduct.

Recommendations Ignored

Despite being repeatedly indicted by panels investigating SARS abuses, Fakorede avoided accountability. This disregard for justice raises questions about the credibility of the IGP Monitoring Unit under his leadership.

Public Outcry

The controversy has reignited calls for police accountability. Activists insist on revisiting cases involving Fakorede and implementing recommendations to dismiss or prosecute officers implicated in misconduct.

Protesters Demand Accountability and Reform in the Nigerian Police Force

Protesters carried placards with bold messages such as “Sack Akin Fakorede Now,” “Stop Killings By SARS,” “President Buhari Call SARS To Order,” “End The Killings By SARS,” and “End SARS’ Brutality Now.” Their demands were clear and urgent.

Allegations Against SARS in Rivers State

The protesters accused the Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by Akin Fakorede, of becoming a tool for political manipulation under the All Progressives Congress (APC). They called for Fakorede’s immediate dismissal and prosecution, citing a video showing him allegedly involved in electoral malpractice. The group also mourned the deaths of three Ogoni youths reportedly killed by SARS operatives while trying to prevent pipeline vandalism.

Allegations of Land Grabbing in Anambra State

As Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, Anambra State, Fakorede faced accusations of enabling land grabbing and inciting violent property disputes.

A petition submitted by human rights lawyer Comrade Justus Ijeoma to the Police Service Commission detailed troubling incidents, including:

May 14, 2024: Fakorede allegedly protected land grabbers who used men in military uniforms to demolish a building in Onitsha.
Plot 60, Trans Nkisi Layout: Under his watch, tenants faced violent eviction, leading to the tragic death of a 4-month-old infant.
July 19, 2024: Fakorede’s team reportedly aided in the illegal eviction of a tenant at another Onitsha property, resulting in physical assault on Ijeoma when he attempted to document the incident.

In another notable event on November 23, 2023, women in Awka protested Fakorede’s alleged involvement in criminal activities, accusing him and other officers of destabilizing local security efforts. Police officials dismissed the protests, claiming they were orchestrated by land grabbers.

Growing International Concerns

Fakorede’s recent appointment to lead the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit has alarmed international development partners and funding agencies. Organizations such as the UNDP, British High Commission, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which have invested in police reform initiatives, view this move as a potential setback.

Diplomatic sources revealed concerns that Fakorede’s appointment could undermine years of progress in reforming the Nigerian Police Force, which has long struggled with issues of corruption, brutality, and human rights abuses. Oversight bodies, including the Monitoring Unit and the Police Service Commission, are currently investigating multiple complaints against him.

Public Outcry and Implications for Police Reform

Human rights advocates argue that assigning a figure with a history of alleged abuses to such a critical oversight role damages public trust and jeopardizes reform efforts. Fakorede’s controversial career includes stints in Kaduna, Anambra, and Rivers State, with each tenure marked by allegations of misconduct.

As public dissatisfaction grows, the Nigerian Police Force faces immense pressure to address these concerns and demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability. The coming weeks will reveal whether the authorities will heed these calls for reform or allow the controversies to further erode confidence in law enforcement.