The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is taking a strong stance against police brutality, condemning the recent arrest of Peace Corps National Commandant Dickson Akoh and 16 of his officers. Heavily armed police officers stormed the Peace Corps Headquarters near Jabi Lake in Abuja on Friday, forcefully entering the premises and making the arrests
Comrade Mukhtar Akoshile, National Vice President for North Central at the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has publicly condemned the recent police actions as unjust and unwarranted. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Akoshile called for an immediate end to the harassment and oppression of Nigerians, especially targeting youth and civil society organizations . This outcry comes on the heels of Nigerian youths’ consistent support for the government in maintaining national stability.
Comrade Akoshile, also serving as Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) West Africa Region, expressed deep concern over the growing pattern of police brutality under Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership. This isn’t an isolated incident, as Nigeria has a history of police brutality, notably with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) infamous for human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and extortion.
He explained that the Peace Corps boss was arrested by the police over a mere tenancy dispute with his landlord, highlighting the excessive use of force.
The youth leader said, NYCN is issuing an ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and his officers. demanding an apology for the recent arrest and release of all detainees and the reopening of the Peace Corps Headquarters. The deadline for these demands is Monday, October 28, 2024.
If these demands aren’t met, the Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council has warned of a mass protest in Abuja, targeting the Police Headquarters and National Assembly. The protest will also call for the removal of IGP Egbetokun by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent further damage to the Nigeria Police Force’s credibility and the President’s administration.