In a move that has sparked widespread concern and criticism, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reportedly sanctioned members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for allowing detained activist Omoyele Sowore to receive medical treatment following a violent encounter with police officers. The disciplinary action comes after images of Sowore’s bandaged hand surfaced online, allegedly embarrassing the police leadership.
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force revealed that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Akin Fakorede and Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi are spearheading efforts to detain and punish the IRT officers involved. The officers are accused of breaching internal protocol by facilitating medical care for Sowore, whose right hand was broken during a forceful transfer attempt led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) on Thursday morning.
Despite the severity of the injury and public outcry, no disciplinary measures have been taken against the CSP responsible for the assault. Instead, the officer has reportedly been shielded from accountability, raising questions about transparency and justice within the force.
Sowore was detained on Wednesday after voluntarily responding to a summons from the IGP Monitoring Unit over allegations including forgery and criminal defamation. The following morning, he was allegedly assaulted by at least eight officers during a forced transfer to court without legal representation or proper clothing. The incident resulted in a broken hand, yet authorities prioritized damage control over medical care or investigation.
A source close to the situation stated, “The IGP has started punishing officers at the IRT for letting Sowore treat his broken hand. Meanwhile, the authorities are shielding the CSP who broke his hand.” The source added that the police’s primary concern was not the injury itself, but the leak of the photo showing Sowore’s bandaged hand.