By Muhammad Mamman
Retired police officers have launched a blistering attack on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of shielding corrupt politicians and criminals while waging a legal war against activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
Speaking outside the court on Wednesday, retired Superintendent Rukeze Oregbo, who led a group of ex-officers in solidarity with Mr Sowore, declared:
“We came here to support a true Nigerian. Sowore is the real Nigerian. Let this message reach the Inspector-General — we will not abandon him. We are ready to die with him.”
Mr Oregbo berated Mr Egbetokun for dragging Sowore to court while “turning a blind eye” to officials accused of looting and violent crime.
“There are armed robbers and criminals amongst them, yet none is ever prosecuted. Instead, they are sent on foreign holidays,” he fumed.
The row stems from Sowore’s recent protests demanding pension payments for retired police officers and improved welfare for serving personnel — a move that has put him on a collision course with the police hierarchy.
Amnesty International has also condemned the charges, describing them as fabricated and politically motivated. The rights group said the attempt to probe bank accounts linked to Sowore and his media outlet, Sahara Reporters, was a blatant attack on press freedom and freedom of expression.
“Sowore is facing multiple trumped-up allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering and fraud — all at the behest of the Inspector-General of Police,” Amnesty stated.
Despite the threats, retired officers vowed to continue their fight against what they see as an attempt to silence a critical voice while criminals in power remain untouched.
