Nigerian activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has raised serious allegations against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of targeting activists and protesters under the guise of fighting treason in an effort to secure an extension of his tenure.

According to Sowore, Egbetokun, whose tenure is set to end on September 4, 2024, has been seeking a four-year extension, despite what Sowore describes as a record of oppressive actions.

Sowore, a prominent figure in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, claims that the IGP has escalated his crackdown on activists and demonstrators across the country as part of an effort to appease the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In his statement, Sowore stated that protesters, particularly those involved in the ongoing struggle for better governance, are now facing charges of treason, an accusation he says is being used as a political tool to silence dissent.

The activist went on to detail a series of violent actions allegedly carried out under Egbetokun’s orders. He highlighted that in August alone, more than 40 protesters, many of them from the northern regions of Nigeria, were reportedly killed by security forces on Egbetokun’s orders.

He further claimed that over 2,000 individuals were arrested and detained during protests, with many of them being subjected to summary trials and indefinite imprisonment.

Sowore alleged that these actions are part of a calculated strategy by the IGP to secure favour from the current government, referring to President Bola Tinubu as a “maximum dictator.”

He argues that Egbetokun is attempting to show his loyalty and usefulness to the regime by using excessive force to suppress public dissent and civil disobedience, particularly targeting those calling for an end to bad governance in Nigeria.

The outspoken activist also criticized the broader state of governance in Nigeria, calling attention to what he perceives as a growing trend of authoritarianism under the current administration.

Sowore’s statement serves as a stark warning to Nigerians and the international community about the potential dangers of extending the tenure of a police chief he views as complicit in human rights abuses.

These accusations come amid increasing tensions in the country, as protests against perceived government failures continue to grow.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, which draws inspiration from the 2020 #EndSARS protests, has once again brought to the forefront issues of police brutality, government corruption, and the suppression of civil liberties.

Sowore’s claims are likely to further inflame the ongoing debate around the state of governance in Nigeria and the role of security forces in maintaining order at the cost of human rights.

As of now, there has been no official response from the office of the IGP or the Nigerian government regarding Sowore’s accusations.

However, the activist’s remarks are sure to increase scrutiny on Egbetokun’s tenure and the actions of the police under his leadership as the country awaits a decision on his potential extension.