By Adewole Kehinde
The recent serial derogatory publications and deliberate misinformation campaign spearheaded by Mr. Omoyele Sowore and his online platform, Sahara Reporters, against Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Bukola Yemisi Kuti, is not only malicious but a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of a diligent and professional police officer.
What we are witnessing appears to be a coordinated smear campaign, one likely fueled by unscrupulous elements within the system who feel threatened by ACP Kuti’s dedication, discipline, and uncompromising commitment to duty.
When individuals are intimidated by excellence, they often resort to falsehoods. In this case, it seems the only way to undermine ACP Kuti’s sterling work at the Force Headquarters is to manufacture and circulate fake news through a misinformation outlet eager for sensational headlines.
Let it be stated clearly: it is a blatant lie to suggest that ACP Bukola Yemisi Kuti has “taken control” of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters. The control and administration of the Force Headquarters rest squarely with the Nigeria Police Management Team under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Any insinuation to the contrary is either born out of ignorance or deliberate mischief.
Equally false is the allegation that ACP Kuti spearheaded efforts to drag the Anambra State Government into a controversial lawsuit against Sahara Reporters and Mr. Sowore. Legal disputes involving individuals or institutions follow established procedures. To attribute such institutional decisions to one officer is not only simplistic but intentionally deceptive.
Mr. Sowore’s reckless description of IGP Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” must be tested in a court of law. If the rabble-rouser believes he understands the law governing the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police better than the President of the Federal Republic who lawfully appointed him for a statutory tenure, then the proper place to prove such claims is the courtroom, not the pages of a blog known for inflammatory content.
Similarly, Mr. Victor Egbetokun, who has allegedly been blackmailed by Mr. Sowore over claims of receiving ₦100 million from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account, has every right to seek redress in court. Allegations of financial misconduct are grave and must be substantiated with evidence. Trial by media is not justice.
On the issue of promotions, the facts are straightforward. Promotions within the Nigeria Police Force are the statutory responsibility of the Police Service Commission, acting on recommendations from the Inspector-General of Police. Therefore, the claim that ACP Kuti “wields enormous influence” over promotions is fallacious and baseless. It betrays a lack of understanding of how the institution operates.
To further expose the shallowness of Sahara Reporters’ publication, no officer in the Nigeria Police Force elevates themselves to any rank or position. The assertion that ACP Kuti “used her position to advance her own career, elevating herself to the rank of Principal Staff Officer 2 (PSO 2)” is nothing but a reckless and laughable fabrication. Such a claim underscores the unseriousness of its editors and publisher.
If ACP Kuti is indeed on the verge of promotion to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), it is a welcome development. She deserves it. Her tenure has brought remarkable sanity and efficiency to the IGP Secretariat and the Force at large. Gone are the days when individuals allegedly paid millions of naira to have petitions attended to. Today, petitions are treated within 24 hours, unlike in previous administrations when approvals could drag on for months. Reform often unsettles those who benefitted from the old order.
ACP Kuti met the established criteria for advancement within the Nigeria Police Force. Those who are raising unfounded concerns would do well to focus on meeting those criteria themselves instead of orchestrating smear campaigns.
The allegation that ACP Kuti “controls key decisions at the Force Headquarters” and exerts sway over the Inspector-General is malicious fiction. The Nigeria Police Force is governed by a structured Management Team, not by any single individual acting in isolation. To defame a hardworking officer and then claim she mobilised the machinery of the Force to silence critics is contradictory and absurd.
Even more defamatory is the insinuation of a “close personal relationship” between ACP Kuti and the Inspector-General. Those peddling such salacious allegations must be prepared to defend them in court. Character assassination disguised as investigative journalism cannot go unchallenged.
The height of irresponsibility is the claim that there exists a “climate of fear” at the Force Headquarters due to ACP Kuti’s perceived authority. Strong leadership and discipline should not be mischaracterized as intimidation. Professionalism should not be mistaken for authoritarianism.
Sahara Reporters, as an organization, must understand that reckless publications have consequences. Defamation carries legal and financial implications. If these malicious allegations persist, the ACP Bukola Kuti family would be justified in seeking damages in billions of naira for the reputational harm inflicted.
Finally, the calm and professional demeanor of IGP Kayode Egbetokun should not be mistaken for weakness. He remains firmly in control of the Force Headquarters. The Nigeria Police Force is not in ACP Bukola Yemisi Kuti’s hands, contrary to the mischievous narrative being circulated. Institutional authority resides where the law places it—within the structured leadership of the Force.
Adewole Kehinde writes from Abuja. email: kennyadewole@gmail.com