A leadership change has taken place within the Police Monitoring Team as Aliyu Abubakar has officially taken command, succeeding Akin Fakorede.
Abubakar, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been tasked with overseeing the team’s operations, with a clear mandate to enforce accountability, professionalism, and adherence to lawful directives within the force. His responsibilities include monitoring officers’ conduct, investigating reported cases of police misconduct, and executing special assignments as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The change is part of broader efforts to strengthen internal oversight and reinforce discipline across the Nigeria Police Force. Fakorede, who previously led the unit, had been placed on mandatory leave and reassigned to a role in police research. His tenure was marked by public scrutiny over allegations of human rights violations, bias, and unprofessional conduct, including incidents during protests and disputes over property management.
Critics have long raised concerns about Fakorede’s previous leadership of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), citing alleged extrajudicial actions and interference in electoral matters. These issues were highlighted in public statements by civil society and political figures, noting that his record could undermine public trust in the monitoring unit.
Abubakar’s appointment is seen as a move to restore confidence in the Police Monitoring Team and ensure that internal oversight and accountability measures are effectively implemented.
