The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) issues this comprehensive statement to restate its long-standing and principled position on the urgent necessity for the establishment of truly independent State Police institutions in Nigeria, as part of a broader and holistic restructuring of the country’s internal security architecture.
1. ON THE IMPERATIVE OF STATE POLICING REFORM
HURIWA reiterates its unwavering support for the creation of State Police Forces as a constitutional necessity in response to Nigeria’s evolving security realities. However, we emphasize that such institutions must not become instruments of political control in the hands of state governors.
We therefore call for a strong constitutional framework that guarantees:
Operational independence of State Police Commands
Transparent recruitment processes insulated from executive manipulation
Independent oversight bodies comprising civil society, judiciary, and federal representatives
Strict prohibition of political interference by state governors in policing operations
Professional command structure based strictly on merit, competence, and seniority
In addition, HURIWA recommends:
Establishment of State Police Service Commissions with constitutionally guaranteed autonomy
Creation of multi-layered accountability systems, including legislative and judicial review
Protection of officers from unlawful directives through enforceable whistleblower mechanisms
National minimum standards in training, intelligence-sharing, and operational ethics to ensure uniform professionalism across states
Without these safeguards, State Police risks becoming an extension of political thuggery rather than a tool for public safety.
2. ON THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND INSTITUTIONAL CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENT
HURIWA expresses deep concern over the recurring controversies surrounding the appointment and tenure of Inspectors-General of Police in Nigeria, which continue to raise constitutional, ethical, and administrative questions.
We note with concern that the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has been at the centre of national debate regarding retirement eligibility and tenure continuity, particularly in light of the statutory provisions governing police service retirement.
Under the Public Service Rules and Police Regulations, officers are generally expected to retire upon:
Attaining 60 years of age, or
Completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first
HURIWA is aware of the public debate and legal interpretations surrounding whether the current IGP has surpassed or is approaching these thresholds, and whether his continued stay in office aligns strictly with the law and public service regulations.
We therefore demand full transparency from the Federal Government and the Police Service Commission regarding:
His exact service records
Retirement status under applicable law
Legal justification, if any, for continued retention in service
3. ON ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL INFLUENCE AND ETHNIC CONSIDERATIONS IN APPOINTMENTS
HURIWA expresses concern over growing public perception that critical security appointments are increasingly influenced by political loyalty, sectional considerations, and alleged personal affiliations, rather than strictly merit-based criteria.
We note public discourse, including concerns raised by civic voices such as Omoyele Sowore, alleging possible proximity between the current IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While HURIWA does not assert these claims as established facts, we stress that such perceptions—if left unaddressed—erode public trust and institutional credibility.
We therefore ask:
Why appoint an officer reportedly close to retirement instead of a candidate capable of serving a full term consistent with the Police Act 2020?
Why risk institutional instability through short-term appointments that may conflict with statutory provisions?
Why allow avoidable controversies to persist in such a critical national security office?
HURIWA calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold his constitutional oath of office by ensuring that all security appointments:
Are strictly based on merit, competence, and seniority
Respect federal character principles
Are free from ethnic, political, or personal considerations
Comply fully with extant public service rules and police regulations
4. ON INSTITUTIONAL STABILITY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE
HURIWA further observes that repeated controversies surrounding the appointment and tenure of successive Inspectors-General of Police risk destabilizing the institutional integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
We strongly advise that:
No appointment should create legal ambiguity or constitutional tension
Succession planning must align with statutory retirement timelines
The Police Service Commission must be allowed to function independently and without executive interference
The Nigeria Police Force must never be personalized or politicized under any administration
We further stress that the credibility of Nigeria’s policing system depends on strict adherence to the rule of law, not discretionary extensions or administrative improvisation.
5. OUR FINAL DEMAND
In the interest of justice, legality, and institutional stability, HURIWA calls for:
Immediate clarification of the retirement status of the current Inspector-General of Police in line with extant laws
Strict adherence to statutory provisions in all police appointments
Accelerated constitutional reforms for the establishment of independent State Police institutions with strong safeguards against political abuse
A halt to any further actions that may deepen public suspicion of executive overreach in security sector management
Where it is established that any officer, including the Inspector-General of Police, has attained the statutory retirement threshold, HURIWA insists that such officer must honourably retire in accordance with the law without exception or political consideration.
Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored on the rule of law, not administrative discretion or political convenience.
SIGNED:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA)
DATED: Wednesday, 15th April, 2026
