BREAKING: IGP Removes Police Monitoring Unit Boss Amid Mounting Corruption Allegations
A significant internal restructuring has occurred within the Nigeria Police Force following the replacement of the head of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar has assumed leadership of the unit, taking over from Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede. PulseNets learned that the transition follows mounting allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of office linked to the unit during Fakorede’s tenure.
The development is widely interpreted as a strategic move by the police high command to strengthen internal accountability, enforce discipline, and restore public confidence in the force.
Sources who spoke to PulseNets confirmed that Abubakar has been given a clearly defined operational mandate. According to a senior official, “He has been charged with the mandate to ensure thorough and effective monitoring of police officers’ conduct, the diligent investigation of all reported cases of police misconduct, and the faithful execution of any other lawful directives and special assignments as may be given by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).”
Under the revised framework, the monitoring unit is also expected to undertake special assignments and execute additional directives issued by the IGP as circumstances demand. The unit remains central to oversight functions, particularly in supervising officer conduct nationwide and resolving public complaints.
PulseNets obtained that Fakorede had earlier been directed to proceed on a mandatory 40-day leave. He is expected to return in a different capacity as Commissioner of Police in charge of Research. Further findings indicate that his removal from the monitoring unit had been finalised days before the official announcement.
Insiders within the force told PulseNets that the decision was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of broader internal reform measures aimed at repositioning the force.
Fakorede’s tenure attracted sustained criticism from civil society organisations and segments of the public. His appointment had been controversial from the outset, largely due to his previous role as a commander of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Human rights advocates consistently raised concerns about his alleged history of brutality, extrajudicial conduct, and involvement in election-related controversies, warning that such a record could undermine the credibility of the monitoring unit. These concerns persisted throughout his time in office.
Multiple incidents further intensified scrutiny. Fakorede was reportedly linked to a contentious land dispute at River Park Estate in Abuja, where allegations emerged that he sided against foreign investors. The situation escalated in January 2026 when operatives from the unit allegedly assaulted journalists and workers during a protest at the estate, according to reports obtained by PulseNets.
His name also featured in high-level political criticism. In September 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly criticised him during a televised interview, referencing his past role in Rivers State.
During that appearance, Wike said, “Then the only policeman, the one they called Akin Fakorede, I hear now, is the one in charge of the IG monitoring team. He was in charge of SARS. That was a killer.
“He was in charge of SARS in Rivers State. I say a killer. A killer. Can I tell you? That’s nothing I cannot say today.”
Beyond public criticism, internal concerns reportedly emerged over alleged bias and unprofessional conduct in handling sensitive investigations. One notable case involved a high-profile financial fraud suspect, Jesam Michael, linked to Afriq Arbitrage System.
Investigations obtained by PulseNets indicated that despite substantial evidence, efforts to prosecute the suspect encountered resistance. The case allegedly involved tens of thousands of victims and significant financial flows traced through digital wallets.
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Sources within the force claimed Fakorede repeatedly dismissed allegations against the suspect, raising further concerns about the integrity and operational independence of the unit under his leadership.
With Abubakar now in charge, focus has shifted to the effectiveness of the monitoring unit in enforcing discipline, addressing misconduct, and restoring credibility within the Nigeria Police Force. The leadership faces increasing pressure to deliver measurable reforms and rebuild public trust.
