Signs of Weak Leadership Under New IGP Tunji Disu Are Already Manifesting – sowore
Signs of Weak Leadership Under New IGP Tunji Disu Are Already Manifesting – sowore
In the last few days, troubling signs have emerged suggesting that the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, may be indecisive and not sufficiently firm in managing the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force. If these early signals are anything to go by, rogue elements within the Nigeria Police Force will quickly recognize and exploit this perceived weakness.
One case that illustrates this concern is that of Maureen Badejo, the UK-based blogger who has been held in Nigeria following complaints involving two prominent General Overseers, Apostle Johnson Suleman and Dr. Daniel Olukoya.
Maureen Badejo was initially brought before a Magistrate’s Court that appeared uncomfortable with the apparent attempt to use its jurisdiction to perpetrate injustice.
The magistrate granted her bail, allowing her temporary freedom, but the officers involved led by a notorious Superintendent of Police (SP) Smart Abubakar weren’t happy and had tried to rearrest her and keep her in Kirirkiri prison.
Following this development, Maureen Badejo traveled to Abuja, where a source within the new IGP’s office informed us that the Inspector-General’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO), Ahmed Lateef, wanted to meet with Maureen Badejo and TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri. (the woman also being oppressed by Tinubu’s Works Minister, David Umahi)
Both women attended the meeting alongside human rights lawyer Marshal D F Abubakar. During the discussion, PSO Lateef reportedly offered what he described as an ‘apology’ and stated that the new IGP would not want his tenure to be associated with abuse of citizens’ rights. However, from the outset, there were reasons to treat that assurance cautiously. I know Lateef to be a cunning police officer.
I advised Maureen that the assurances could not be relied upon and decided to escalate the matter by contacting AIG Emmanuel Ade Aina, head of the Police Legal Directorate. AIG Aina indicated that he would “look into the matter.” Many within the force describe him as capable and potentially upright, but often never straightforward in dealing with sensitive issues.
After returning to Lagos, Maureen waited for action from both PSO Lateef and the police hierarchy. Instead of relief, the situation worsened. The police unit handling her case at the NCC unit of the FCIID replaced the prosecutor with a more aggressive officer, A O Nwabusi
The case was then scheduled before Justice Akintayo Aluko on Tuesday but was miraculously shifted to a Friday (The day 0f the week often associated with tactical arraignments designed to keep defendants in custody over the weekend even when bail is granted.)
Alarmed by these developments, I again reached out to AIG Aina to ask why Maureen was still being arraigned despite the earlier discussions. His response was shocking, while admitting that by drawing his attention to the matter he did call for the file and review, he then asked why Maureen should not face trial, stating that he had not initially realized that she had allegedly offended Apostle Johnson Suleman and suggesting that nothing would stop the prosecution.
Maureen was subsequently arraigned today before Justice Aluko, a judge widely perceived to be particularly sympathetic to cases involving religious leaders. Justice Aluko previously presided over the case of Harrison Ofoegbu “Ijele” The King Of The Game who spent nearly two years in prison after offending pastor Evang.Ebuka Obi. In Maureen’s case, the matter has now been adjourned until March 16, 2026. There are fears that if bail is granted at the next hearing, the conditions may be deliberately difficult for her to meet.
For me, this episode speaks to the leadership style of Tunji Disu at the Nigeria Police Force under his purview as the new Inspector-General. Officers who thrive in a system of abuse and impunity will definitely find comfort in a leadership style perceived as conciliatory and hesitant.
Some within the system already describe the new IGP as having plenty of demeanor but little decisive action a comparison that has been likened to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership style.
If the early days of IGP Disu’s tenure are defined by hesitation rather than firm oversight, rogue officers within the Nigeria Police Force will feel emboldened to continue the very abuses he reportedly promised would not define his leadership. WE MUST BRACE AND FIGHT UNTIL WILL GET THE Nigeria Police Force WE DESERVE.
