JUST IN: IGP Replaces Head of Police Monitoring Unit Amid Corruption Allegations

A major shake-up has hit the Nigeria Police Force following the replacement of the head of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar has now taken over the unit, stepping into the role previously occupied by Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede.

The change comes amid lingering allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of office tied to the unit under Fakorede’s leadership.

The development is seen as part of efforts by the police high command to restore discipline and rebuild public confidence.

Abubakar has been handed a clear mandate. A senior source disclosed that “He has been charged with the mandate to ensure thorough and effective monitoring of police officers’ conduct, the diligent investigation of all reported cases of police misconduct, and the faithful execution of any other lawful directives and special assignments as may be given by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).”

Under the new directive, the monitoring unit will also handle special assignments and carry out additional duties as assigned by the IGP from time to time.

The office plays a critical role in supervising police behaviour nationwide and addressing complaints against officers.

Findings show that Fakorede was earlier directed to proceed on mandatory leave for 40 days. He is expected to resume later in a different capacity as Commissioner of Police in charge of Research. His removal from the monitoring unit had been concluded days before the official transition.

Sources within the force said the decision to remove him was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of internal reforms.

Fakorede’s time in office had drawn strong criticism from civil society groups and members of the public. Many questioned his appointment from the start, citing his past record as a former commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Human rights organisations had warned that his history of alleged brutality, extrajudicial actions, and election interference could damage the credibility of the monitoring unit. Those concerns persisted throughout his tenure.

Several incidents further deepened the controversy. Fakorede was linked to a disputed land matter at River Park Estate in Abuja, where he was accused of taking sides against foreign investors. The situation escalated in January 2026 when operatives from the unit reportedly attacked journalists and workers during a protest at the estate.

His name also surfaced in political criticism. In September 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly condemned him during a television interview, describing his past conduct in Rivers State as troubling.

During that appearance, Wike said, “Then the only policeman, the one they called Akin Fakorede, I hear now, is the one in charge of the IG monitoring team. He was in charge of SARS. That was a killer.

“He was in charge of SARS in Rivers State. I say a killer. A killer. Can I tell you? That’s nothing I cannot say today.”

Beyond public criticism, internal concerns were also raised over alleged bias and unprofessional conduct in sensitive investigations. One of such cases involved a high-profile financial fraud suspect, Jesam Michael, linked to Afriq Arbitrage System.

Investigations had alleged that despite overwhelming evidence, efforts to prosecute the suspect faced resistance. The fraud case reportedly involved tens of thousands of victims and massive financial transactions traced to digital wallets.

Insiders claimed Fakorede repeatedly dismissed claims against the suspect, raising questions about the integrity of the unit under his watch.

With Abubakar now in charge, attention has shifted to how effectively the unit will enforce discipline and respond to complaints against officers. The police leadership is under pressure to demonstrate real change.