The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has denounced what it terms a “coordinated smear campaign” against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, pledging unwavering support for his leadership.

In a statement released on Friday, CASA president Charles Egbunike described the attacks as part of a larger agenda to discredit IGP Egbetokun and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“These campaigns are not only malicious but deliberately designed to create instability,” Egbunike said. “Those behind them are not just attacking the IGP; they are using him as a tool to hit at the President. This is because of the IGP’s long-standing association with President Tinubu, dating back to when he served as his Chief Security Officer during Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State two decades ago.”

Egbunike attributed the attacks to individuals disgruntled by Egbetokun’s reforms, particularly his strict enforcement of retirement policies and professional standards. According to CASA, these reforms have disrupted corrupt practices, prompting resistance from those who benefited from the old order.

“These individuals prospered under a corrupt system and are now resentful because Inspector General Egbetokun has put an end to that era of impunity and unprofessional conduct,” Egbunike added “They are using faceless online platforms and questionable media outlets to spread lies and cast doubt on the IGP’s credibility. This is not just an attack on one man, it is an attempt to undermine national security. We will not let that happen.”

Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Idris Dabban also spoke in defence of Egbetokun, describing him as a “professional, hardworking, and forward-thinking officer.” Dabban, who was a coursemate and close colleague of the IGP, highlighted Egbetokun’s passion for discipline, high standards, and integrity.

“IGP Egbetokun is a very humble, selfless, courageous and hardworking officer,” Dabban said. “He’s someone who listens, interacts well with people, and genuinely cares about getting the job done.

“After we left the academy, we were both posted back to Lagos. We served in the same unit and even lived in the same barracks at Satellite Police Barracks. I can confidently say I know him very well.”

“He’s always ahead, very proactive, never reactive. He doesn’t tolerate anything that goes against the ethics of the Force. He’s very forward-looking, passionate about the job and holds himself and others to high standards. I can say Nigerians are lucky to have this kind of incorruptible cop as their IGP.

“He’s a nationalist, he is never tribalistic or considers religious sentiment. For him, it’s all about the job, work, work, and more work. He’s fully committed to building a better police force that I am certain about.”

Secretary-general of CASA Emamode Peters lauded Egbetokun’s work ethic, emphasising his hands-on leadership style.

“One thing I admire most about the IGP is his work ethic. He drives his subordinates hard because he believes in results. Laziness and unprofessional conduct have no place under his leadership,” Peters noted. “I have personally observed that he leads from the front; he works round the clock, comes to the office early, and spends more than 14 hours in the office daily, and I also know that most days he does not go to bed until 4 am. Because he continues with meetings and work at home. I marvelled at how he attends to the deluge of work and files on his table and he does all of that with vigour and professionalism.”

The group vowed to expose those behind the smear campaign, including a retired senior police officer allegedly fuelling the attacks out of resentment.

CASA called on Nigerians to disregard unfounded criticisms and support the IGP’s ongoing reforms aimed at building a disciplined, efficient, and people-oriented police force.