IGP Calls Taskforce Chief Over Alleged Extortion, Corruption

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has summoned the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Taskforce), CSP Adetayo Akerele, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, concerns serious allegations of high-handedness, extortion, and corruption levelled against operatives of the unit.

The summons follows widespread public outcry on social media, where Lagos residents have demanded Akerele’s removal. The controversy was amplified by videos circulated by a blogger, which purport to show Taskforce officials engaging in extortion, human rights abuses, and unlawful activities related to land disputes.

A police source confirmed the IGP is treating the allegations with utmost seriousness, consistent with his ongoing push for professionalism and human rights compliance within the force. “The allegations are significant, and the outcome of the meeting will determine the next course of action,” the source stated.

Concurrently, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, issued a stark warning to all Taskforce personnel, vowing strict disciplinary action, including dissolution of the unit, for any officer found culpable of corruption, extortion, or abuse of power. He stressed that the command would not shield errant officers, citing the recent arrest and prosecution of five policemen from another state command involved in a shooting at Owode Onirin Market as a precedent.

“We will not shield any officer found guilty of misconduct,” CP Jimoh affirmed. He revealed that newly screened and reoriented officers have already been deployed to the Taskforce as part of a cleanup. The command is also collaborating with civil society and human rights organisations to instil greater professionalism.

The Commissioner urged residents to provide credible evidence when filing complaints and called for public cooperation, noting that security is a shared responsibility. The IGP’s summons signals a high-level review of the controversial unit, with potential restructuring or leadership changes pending the outcome of the Monday meeting. The development underscores heightened scrutiny of police units operating in Lagos and the national police leadership’s commitment to addressing misconduct amid broader reform efforts.