Stop Wasting Resources On Harassing Sowore, Focus On Crime—Ex-SDP Presidential Candidate Adebayo Berates IGP Egbetokun

A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barrister Adewole Adebayo, has condemned the persistent harassment of activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Adebayo described the back-and-forth between the police and Sowore as a “Tom and Jerry series” that reflects poorly on the integrity and professionalism of Nigeria’s foremost law enforcement institution.

“The Tom and Jerry series between @PoliceNG and @YeleSowore doesn’t portray a law enforcement agency that has learnt much regarding institutional integrity and due process,” Adebayo said.

He added that the police force, rather than acting in a manner befitting a constitutionally backed civil organisation, has been reduced to a tool for settling personal scores and silencing critics.

“@IGPEgbetokun needs to zone out of any seeming ego or malice when it comes to critics, especially an equal opportunity challenger of the status quo like @YeleSowore,” he wrote.

Adebayo, a lawyer, emphasised that the powers of the police to arrest and detain are quasi-judicial, not personal or political tools. He warned that using these powers against critics of government or institutions is an abuse of authority.

“Police powers to arrest and/or detain are quasi-judicial and must be exercised only for the sole purpose of crime prevention, criminal justice administration, law and order. The police is a constitutional body and civil organization that is not above criticisms,” he stated.

He cautioned the IG and the entire police hierarchy against turning the force into a vindictive apparatus, stressing that even when critics are wrong, they are still protected by law against unlawful detention or abuse.

“Law enforcement powers should not be used by the police to deter its critics and watchdogs. Critics don’t have to be right to be privileged against unlawful arrest or detention,” he said.

Adebayo also took a swipe at the prioritisation of police resources, questioning why the force, which constantly laments a shortage of manpower, appears to have abundant resources to spar with one man.

“Nigeria is short of police personnel to confront the multifaceted criminality ongoing in our communities. How the Police have enough men, materials and mindfulness to spare to spar with @YeleSowore is another study in misplaced priorities at the highest levels,” he said.

He acknowledged Sowore’s dual role as both a critic and a defender of the police when necessary, but warned the police against escalating the confrontation.

“It is a notorious fact that @YeleSowore is rightfully invested in the @PoliceNG by way of challenging policemen one day and fighting on their behalf the next day. That I can understand. But this doesn’t mean that the @PoliceNG should reciprocate by being equally invested in @YeleSowore.”

He concluded his statement with a stark warning to the IGP: “This duel cannot be won by the @IGPEgbetokun and no need to drag the @PoliceNG into the tunnels in search of an ever elusive comeuppance. Enough!” (SaharaReporters)