The recent appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akin Fakorede by Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as head of the IGP Monitoring Unit has sparked widespread concern. Fakorede, who previously commanded the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has a controversial track record marred by allegations of police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and electoral malpractice between 2016 and 2019. These allegations, condemned by institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), continue to haunt his career.
Past Allegations and Investigations
Fakorede’s tenure as a SARS commander saw him face multiple investigations. Panels probing police misconduct in Nigeria reportedly indicted him and recommended disciplinary actions, including demotion or dismissal. However, instead of accountability, Fakorede was allegedly rewarded with promotions for aiding election manipulation in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Victims of police brutality and families of those allegedly killed by Fakorede’s team still seek justice, with several petitions against him pending at the Police Service Commission (PSC). Notably, during the 2017 Rivers State elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Fakorede and his men of harassing, torturing, and killing their supporters. Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike also publicly criticized Fakorede for alleged electoral fraud and other criminal acts.
INEC and Rivers State Government Indictments
In a 2016 report, INEC highlighted Fakorede’s role in election violence, stating he physically assaulted electoral officials and disrupted the collation process. Similarly, the Rivers State Government accused him of a wide range of abuses, including extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions, and extortion. These allegations, compounded by protests and public outcry, called for his removal and prosecution.
Controversies Beyond Rivers State
Fakorede’s alleged misconduct extended to other states. In Anambra, he was accused of aiding land grabbers and overseeing violent property disputes. For instance, in May 2024, Fakorede allegedly shielded individuals involved in demolishing buildings under construction. A petition filed by a human rights lawyer accused him of deploying officers to unlawfully evict tenants and brutalize residents.
In another incident, a 72-year-old woman, Mrs. Adelesi Esther Omolade, accused Fakorede of orchestrating her illegal detention in 2022 over a business dispute involving her daughter. The family alleged threats, forced disclosures of sensitive banking details, and unlawful detention at Fakorede’s direction.
Investigative Panels and EndSARS Protests
During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Fakorede’s name frequently surfaced in petitions submitted to investigative panels. One prominent case involved the alleged killing of Solomon Yellowe, a University of Port Harcourt student, with his family seeking justice and compensation. Fakorede’s leadership was implicated in 50% of the petitions reviewed by the Rivers State SARS panel, yet he reportedly ignored multiple summons to testify.
Impact on Police Reforms and International Concerns
Fakorede’s appointment has alarmed international partners supporting police reform in Nigeria, including agencies such as the UNDP, British High Commission, and German Foreign Office. These organizations have invested heavily in fostering accountability and rebuilding public trust in the police. Diplomatic sources warn that appointing a figure with such a controversial history undermines years of reform efforts.
Activists argue that assigning Fakorede to oversee complaints about police misconduct is counterproductive, raising doubts about the IGP Monitoring Unit’s credibility. The move is seen as a blow to Nigeria’s attempts at police reform, especially given ongoing investigations into Fakorede’s actions.
Protests and Public Outcry
Public resentment against Fakorede has persisted for years, with protests demanding his removal as far back as 2017. Demonstrators in Rivers State accused him of transforming SARS into a political tool for the APC, citing numerous human rights violations. The outcry reached a peak during the #EndSARS movement, where his name became synonymous with impunity.
Conclusion
Fakorede’s career, marked by allegations of abuse and misconduct, casts a shadow over his new role as head of the IGP Monitoring Unit. With Nigeria’s police force struggling to rebuild its image, this appointment raises critical questions about the commitment to accountability and justice. The public and international stakeholders await the IGP’s response to the growing calls for transparency and reform.
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