The Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA) has strongly condemned the wave of criticism trailing the appointment of Commissioner of Police, Akin Fakorede, describing the allegations by some so-called civil society and human rights groups as malicious, unfounded, and driven by ulterior motives.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group noted that the criticism directed at CP Fakorede has only come from a few disgruntled organisations that appear uncomfortable with the officer’s well-known record of diligence, professionalism and commitment to lawful policing.
According to the Alliance, Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede has never been involved in brutality, extra judicial killings or election-related misconduct as mischievously insinuated by these groups. The organisation stated that attempts to portray the senior police officer as someone with a questionable human rights record are deliberate distortions aimed at misleading the public and undermining confidence in the police.
“CP Akin Fakorede is a decent, disciplined, and refined police officer whose professional conduct over the years has been exemplary. The claim by some civil society organisations that his past record could undermine public trust in the police monitoring unit is not only baseless but clearly malicious,” the statement read.
The group further emphasised that Fakorede’s tenure in various strategic assignments within the Nigeria Police Force was never marked by credible allegations of human rights violations, bias or unprofessional conduct. It maintained that many of the claims being circulated were fabrications promoted by individuals who were displeased because the officer refused to cooperate with what the group described as their “nefarious activities.”
The Integrity Youth Alliance also dismissed allegations linking Fakorede to a controversial land dispute at Abuja’s River Park Estate, describing such claims as outright falsehood.
“CP Fakorede was never implicated in any land dispute at River Park Estate. He is not an estate agent and has never shown interest in such matters as falsely alleged. These claims are simply concocted narratives designed to smear his reputation,” the statement added.
The group equally described as “complete blackmail” the allegation that in January 2026 the unit under Fakorede’s leadership attacked journalists and workers during a protest at the same estate. It insisted that the narrative was a deliberate attempt to criminalise routine law enforcement activities and tarnish the image of a responsible police officer.
On comments reportedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the group said Nigerians were aware that the minister’s criticism of CP Fakorede may be connected to past political disagreements.
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“It is well known to Nigerians that the wings of deception of Mr. Wike were clipped by CP Fakorede during his service in Rivers State. The current attacks therefore appear to be motivated more by personal grievances than by facts,” the statement said.
The Alliance challenged Wike to publicly produce the alleged report by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) written to the police to bar Fakorede from participating in election duties, noting that no such document has ever been presented to support the claim.
The group also dismissed allegations that CP Fakorede consistently dismissed evidence against Jesam Michael. It stated that the police officer carried out a diligent investigation which ultimately led to the case being handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which subsequently prosecuted Jesam Michael.
The Integrity Youth Alliance therefore called on the public to disregard what it described as a campaign of misinformation against the police officer and urged stakeholders to allow him to continue his duties without distraction.
“The attempt to malign a dedicated officer like CP Akin Fakorede will not succeed. Nigerians should see through these coordinated efforts to discredit an officer whose only offence appears to be his refusal to compromise professional standards,” the statement concluded.
