AN OPEN LETTER TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
From: High Chief Akinloye Akinboni
Subject: Urgent Request for Investigation into Unlawful Arrests and Police Harassment in Idanre, Ondo State
The Inspector General of Police,
Nigeria Police Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House,
Abuja.
Sir,
I write to you with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency regarding the disturbing and sustained actions of operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and other tactical units within the Nigeria Police Force in Idanre, Ondo State.
Over the past weeks, there has been a consistent pattern of arrests targeting indigenes of Idanre. These arrests, allegedly carried out on the instruction of the Honourable Minister of Interior, have seen multiple police units, including the SIU, FID, SWAT, IRT, and others, storm our community repeatedly. Those apprehended are often taken away to Abuja under questionable circumstances, leaving families distressed and the entire community in fear.
This trend has become both constant and alarming. The people of Idanre are law-abiding citizens who deserve to live without intimidation or harassment. Our deepest fear is that known murderers and their sponsors are the ones manipulating your office and using the name of the Police to intimidate innocent citizens and settle personal scores. This, if true, is a grave abuse of your institution and a direct threat to justice.
There is a growing sentiment among the people that these operations are not only unjust but politically motivated. However, we retain strong confidence in your leadership and integrity. Your decisive approach during the recent incidents of police brutality in Delta State gave our community hope that you stand for justice and accountability. We believe you are not aware of the distress and outcry in Idanre, and that some elements within the Force are acting independently and misusing your name and office to justify these actions.
If any individual or group, particularly politicians, is attempting to use the Nigeria Police Force as a tool to influence or distort the integrity of any electoral process, especially that of the President, such actions must be thoroughly investigated and decisively addressed.
I respectfully call on your office to:
1. Immediately investigate the activities of the AIG in charge of the FID and other units operating in Idanre.
2. Issue clear directives to halt all forms of unlawful arrests and harassment of innocent citizens.
3. Ensure that any ongoing investigations follow due process, transparency, and respect for human rights.
4. Identify and hold accountable any political actors, murderers, or sponsors found to be instigating or sponsoring these operations for selfish gains.
5. Verify all petitions and arrests linked to Idanre to ensure criminals are not using the Police as a weapon against innocent people.
Sir, the peace in Idanre is fragile at this moment. The people are tired of what they perceive as persistent intimidation. It is my duty to warn, in the interest of peace and order, that continued provocation risks eroding public trust and may lead to civil unrest, an outcome we all must strive to avoid.
We trust in your leadership and your commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. I urge you to act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent a breakdown of law and order in Idanre.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
High Chief Akinloye Akinboni
Idanre, Ondo State
30th April, 2026