The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has removed Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi as Commissioner of Police in Ondo State following his investigation into a violent attack on peaceful protesters during Nigeria’s Democracy Day rally on June 12.
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that Afolabi was redeployed after opening a probe into the assault allegedly led by Gbenga Aluko, a politically connected thug with a history of violent crimes, including a prior death sentence for cult-related killings.
Protesters, including activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, were attacked during a peaceful demonstration in Akure. Witnesses say the thugs operated in full view of police officers, who failed to intervene. Sowore, who narrowly escaped a targeted attack, later lodged a formal complaint at the state police headquarters.
Afolabi reportedly received the delegation and assured them that a full investigation would be carried out—a move said to have angered the police leadership. Sources claim his probe began implicating senior political figures, including officials close to the Ondo State Governor.
The Commissioner has now been reassigned to an administrative role at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, while Adebowale Lawal has been appointed to replace him in Ondo.
The removal has sparked public concern about the independence of the police and the growing influence of political actors in security matters, particularly where peaceful protests and civil rights are concerned.
