Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has outlined a list of urgent reforms he wants the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to implement immediately after taking office.
Sowore made the call on Wednesday while speaking to journalists shortly after a court session in Abuja where his ongoing cybercrime case was adjourned.
Court Case Put on Hold
The case, filed in January 2025 by the police, accused Sowore of calling the former police boss “illegal.” It also led to the seizure of his passport.
However, when the matter came up in court, police prosecutors told the judge they could no longer continue the trial because there is now a new Inspector-General of Police.
They asked for time to receive fresh instructions from the new police leadership.
The court then adjourned the case for two weeks.
Sowore told reporters he had always believed the case would fail, saying it was based on what he described as the “illegal tenure” of the former police chief, whose time in office has now ended.
Speaking on what he expects from the new IGP,
Sowore said many of the checkpoints mounted on major roads across Nigeria are illegal and do more harm than good.
According to him, instead of stopping crime, some of these roadblocks:
- slow down movement of citizens, create opportunities for extortion and sometimes even help criminals escape detection.
He urged the police to adopt modern patrol systems with mobile patrol vehicles instead of blocking highways with logs and barricades.
End Arrests Over Social Media Posts
Sowore also called on the police to stop arresting and moving citizens across states over social media comments.
He criticized the practice of taking people from cities like Lagos to Abuja for minor online statements, describing it as a waste of public funds and abuse of power.
He urged the new IGP to withdraw what he called “frivolous charges” already filed against citizens across the country.
Focus on Real Security
The activist stressed that the police should return to their core duty — protecting lives and property.
He advised the new IGP to:
- retrain and reorganize police officers
- improve officers’ welfare
- motivate personnel to fight crime effectively
He warned that Nigeria’s growing insecurity requires serious and professional policing, not intimidation of civilians.
Stop VIP Protection Duties
Sowore also criticized the use of police officers as escorts and guards for politicians and wealthy individuals.
He said police personnel should be on the streets protecting ordinary Nigerians, not serving as private security for elites.
Review Promotions and Payroll Issues
He further alleged that some promotions carried out under the previous police leadership were not properly done and should be reviewed.
Sowore also claimed that some officers who have left Nigeria are still receiving salaries, urging the new police leadership to clean up the payroll system and redirect funds to serving officers.
Rename the Police for Better Image
As part of long-term reforms, Sowore suggested that the Nigeria Police Force should be renamed the “Nigeria Police Service” or “Police Department” to reflect service to the people instead of force.
“Power Is Temporary”
Sowore ended his remarks with a warning to public officials, saying power does not last forever and should be used responsibly.
He also stressed that Nigerians have the constitutional right to criticize leaders and should not be punished for expressing their opinions.
The adjourned case is expected to resume in two weeks after the police receive direction from the office of the new Inspector-General.
