Sowore, also former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), said, “The Illegal IGP is employing tactics of mental deception, claiming ignorance about the challenges confronting police pensioners following retirement.”

Human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for mismanaging welfare funds meant for police officers and ignoring the growing challenges facing police pensioners. 

Sowore stated these in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, where he also called for a nationwide police strike to begin on July 21.

Describing the police chief as an “illegal IGP”, Sowore lambasted him for employing tactics of mental deception, claiming ignorance about the challenges confronting police pensioners following retirement.

Sowore, also former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), said, “The Illegal IGP is employing tactics of mental deception, claiming ignorance about the challenges confronting police pensioners following retirement.”

He further alleged financial misconduct regarding state command welfare allocations. 

“Additionally, the IGP has been unable to address the welfare of active policemen, exemplified by the misappropriation of the N4million quarterly funds earmarked for state commands, also delayed payments of salaries, allowances, and emoluments to policemen and women are a common occurrence that is militating against effective policing,” Sowore said.

Sowore also pointed to broader systemic problems in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), including the delayed payment of salaries and emoluments. 

He emphasised the need for fundamental reform, particularly in the area of police pensions. 

 “These issues demand more than superficial interventions; rather, a thorough harmonisation of the police pension system is necessary to ensure standardised payment rates for all retiring policemen, comparable to those of retired IGs, AIGs, and DIGs.”

The Illegal IGP is employing tactics of mental deception, claiming ignorance about the challenges confronting police pensioners following retirement.
Additionally, the IGP has been unable to address the welfare of active policemen, exemplified by the misappropriation of the N4… pic.twitter.com/h5qigHqzsw

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) June 26, 2025

In what could become a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s security apparatus, Sowore called on police officers to prepare for a nationwide strike starting July 21.

“The push for enhanced welfare for the Nigeria Police Force is something we are resolutely committed to and would urge police officers to be prepared for a nationwide industrial action starting from July 21st or whenever they deem fit.”

The Nigeria Police Force has for years faced criticism over poor remuneration, delayed pensions, and inadequate welfare. 

Multiple reports have documented the struggles of retired police officers to access their pension entitlements, often living in poverty after decades of service.

In 2022, the House of Representatives called for a reform of the police pension scheme, citing gross irregularities and complaints by thousands of retirees. 

That same year, videos circulated online showing retired officers protesting over unpaid benefits.

The situation for serving officers is not significantly better. 

Many rank-and-file officers earn meagre salaries, lack adequate housing, and operate in poorly equipped environments. 

While successive governments have made promises to improve police welfare, implementation has often been slow or non-existent.

Sowore, known for his direct activism has consistently taken aim at top government officials and institutions over corruption and impunity.