DEDICATED CP AKIN VICTOR FAKOREDE STEPS DOWN AS IGP MONITORING HEAD: COUNTERING SaharaReporters’ MISINFORMATION WITH PROVEN INTEGRITY
By Emeka Amaefula
Commissioner of Police (CP) Akin Victor Fakorede, a trained lawyer and highly dedicated forensic criminal investigator in the Nigeria Police Force, has been removed from his position as Head of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The decision was reportedly made by the current IGP, Olatunji Disu.
CP Fakorede, who was appointed to this role in December 2024 under the previous IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has a distinguished service record marked by his expertise in criminal investigations. As a qualified legal professional, he brought rigorous analytical skills and a commitment to thorough, evidence-based policing to his duties. Prior to his appointment at the Monitoring Unit, he served as Commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State before the nationwide disbandment of SARS, where he focused on combating serious crimes through professional investigative methods.
Reports from sources like SaharaReporters have circulated various allegations against CP Fakorede, including claims of brutality, bias in the River Park Estate land dispute in Abuja involving Ghanaian investors, interference during elections in Rivers State, and alleged mishandling of the case involving Jesam Michael of Afriq Arbitrage System. These reports have often relied on unnamed sources and have been amplified by public figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who made strong statements on television accusing Fakorede of past misconduct during his SARS tenure.
However, many of these claims appear unsubstantiated or contested. For instance, in the River Park Estate matter, official actions—including decisions by the Attorney General of the Federation to drop certain charges and court rulings—have contradicted earlier police findings under Fakorede’s unit, suggesting procedural or evidentiary differences rather than proven wrongdoing. Similarly, broader accusations tied to his SARS command lack independent judicial indictments or convictions in public records, and the post-SARS reforms in the Nigeria Police Force have focused on systemic changes rather than individual culpability in every case.
In contrast to the negative narratives, CP Fakorede has received notable public recognition for his service. Civic organizations and media platforms have shown support for him, including a prominent standing ovation from the Berekete Family live TV show in Abuja, where his contributions as a committed officer were celebrated.
His removal comes amid broader leadership changes in the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Disu, including other appointments and reassignments aimed at institutional refreshment. CP Fakorede’s career highlights his dedication as a lawyer-turned-police officer who prioritized forensic investigation and professional standards in fighting crime.
This development underscores the need for fair, evidence-based reporting on law enforcement personnel, avoiding unsubstantiated smears that could undermine dedicated officers and public confidence in the police. CP Akin Victor Fakorede remains a respected figure in policing circles for his legal acumen and investigative integrity.
——–Emeka Amaefula —+234(0)8111813069–