June 12: IGP Redeploys Ondo CP For Probing Attack On Sowore
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has been redeployed over his alleged investigation into the June 12 attack on human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
Sources within the Ondo Police Command revealed that Afolabi, who was posted to the state in December 2024 by the Police Serviced Commission, was removed last week by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to a senior police officer who spoke with Peoples Gazette, the IGP was reportedly displeased that Afolabi entertained Sowore and his supporters and allowed an investigation into the attack on them by suspected thugs.
“I can confirm that he (Afolabi) has been transferred out of the state. He was redeployed last week by the Inspector-General of Police, Egbetokun.
“The offence of the CP was because he refused to tame Yele (Sowore), who had the audacity to storm the police headquarters command to request an investigation into an attack on him and his supporters by some armed thugs believed to have been sponsored by the state government.
“The CP had also begun an investigation into the attack on Sowore after he told some team of investigators in the command to fish out those who attacked the protesters. This and many other complaints were tabled before the IGP, which necessitated the removal of Afolabi from the state,” the source said.
Another senior officer, an ally of Afolabi, confirmed that the CP has been reassigned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he will now serve as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration at the Department of Training and Development (DTD).
“Truly, he has been moved outside the state and is back in Abuja to head the DTD at the Force Headquarters. I was told the IGP was even planning his quick retirement, but I guess it could raise more dust.
“So, he was redeployed, so don’t forget that he is an expert when it comes to training personnel. I guess those who advised the IGP on the action to take suggested his posting over to the DTD,” the officer added.
Pressed further on the reason for Afolabi’s redeployment, the officer said, “I can’t really say, but I think it is the case of the man called Sowore.
“The IGP was not happy that the police command, under Afolabi, could not do anything to stop his excesses when he protested here in Akure a few weeks ago.
“Some senior officers even received a query in respect of that protest. That was when we knew that trouble was coming. The protest was held in major cities of the country. But we were surprised why the major focus was on the one in Akure by the IGP and the top officials of the state government.”
On June 12, members of the Take It Back Movement led by Sowore were attacked by about 15 armed thugs at Cathedral Junction in Akure.
The thugs, allegedly led by a known cultist, Gbenga Aluko, disrupted the peaceful protest, sparking nationwide outrage.
Afolabi is expected to be replaced by Lawal Adebowale from the Force Headquarters.
Mr Afolabi did not respond to calls for comment, while police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi also remained silent.
However, Ondo police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the CP’s redeployment in a chat with Peoples Gazette, saying, “Yes, the CP, Wilfred Afolabi, has been redeployed, and a new man is now at the helm of affairs. We shall get back with official details later.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
