The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved a leadership change in the Ondo State Police Command, replacing Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal with senior officer Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe.
Lawal, who assumed office in June 2025 as the 46th Commissioner of Police in the state, has been redeployed after months in charge that included several security operations such as clampdowns on cult-related activities.
His appointment in 2025 followed the earlier redeployment of Wilfred Afolabi, who was removed after a controversial tenure linked to the handling of protests and internal police matters in the state.
During Lawal’s time in office, allegations emerged from within the command accusing him of imposing monthly financial levies on officers. Reports also suggested that some personnel experienced significant pressure due to the demands, which were said to run into millions of naira.
There were also claims that the financial strain affected morale within the command, with some officers reportedly expressing concern over the situation privately.
Further allegations linked to his tenure included complaints from religious figures who accused some officers of unlawful arrest and financial demands during enforcement operations, claims that later escalated into wider public attention.
With his removal, Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe has now taken over as the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, with expectations that he will stabilise operations and strengthen internal discipline within the command.
The police authorities have not officially detailed the full reasons behind the leadership change, but it comes amid ongoing restructuring within the force leadership across different states.
