Controversy surrounds the tenure of the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in the wake of his alleged mismanagement of the Police Training School in Lagos during his time as Commandant in 2016. Accusations of improper conduct, neglect, and misallocation of resources have sparked renewed concerns over Egbetokun’s leadership and administrative practices within the Nigerian Police Force.
Egbetokun, who was appointed as the IGP in 2023, had previously served as the Commandant of the Police Training School in Lagos in 2016. According to sources within the Nigerian Police Force, there were several reports of mismanagement during his tenure, which have resurfaced as his position as the nation's top cop has come under scrutiny.
Alleged issues of neglect and mismanagement of critical training facilities during Egbetokun’s time as Commandant included the deteriorating condition of infrastructure, lack of adequate training resources, and allegations of corruption. Some former officers under his command claim that necessary upgrades to the training programs were ignored, leaving police recruits ill-prepared for the challenges they would face on duty.
"The conditions were unacceptable. Not only were the facilities in poor shape, but the essential training tools and resources were either missing or woefully inadequate. The recruits’ learning experience was compromised," a former officer who trained at the Lagos Police Training School during that period revealed.
Furthermore, internal audits from that time have raised serious concerns about the diversion of funds that were initially earmarked for enhancing the school’s infrastructure and capacity. It is alleged that several purchases, including uniforms, training equipment, and academic materials, were either delayed or diverted for personal gain, severely hindering the overall training quality for police recruits.
Despite these allegations, Egbetokun’s appointment as IGP was widely supported, with many viewing him as a capable leader with vast experience. However, critics argue that his past mismanagement of police training facilities raises questions about his ability to address the broader issues within the police force, particularly regarding officer welfare and public trust.
The Nigerian public and several advocacy groups are now calling for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement during his tenure as Commandant. With heightened attention on police reform in Nigeria, questions regarding the integrity of leadership within the police force remain a significant concern.