The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria, have condemned in strong terms a recent publication by Sahara Reporters targeting the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged irregularities in the award of a Six billion Naira (₦6B) uniform contract.
In a statement released to the media, the Coalition through its Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and the Secretary Barrister John Atani, described the report by Sahara reporters as false, reckless and deliberately misleading, calling it part of a sustained and obviously sponsored media assault by a rouge media outfit on the reputation of a distinguished public officer.
“Sahara Reporters claimed that the IGP awarded a N6 billion contract—split into 66 parts—to an unqualified company without valid procurement and tax records. This is pure fiction and a calculated attempt to mislead the public,”
“Ordinarily, such sensationalism devoid of evidence, integrity or professional ethics would not merit a response. But given the dangerous implications and the potential to misinform the public, it is necessary to address the falsehood.”
The Coalition leadership argued that the allegations are not only baseless but also indicative of a larger, orchestrated plot to discredit IGP Egbetokun and destabilize the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such targeted media attacks. It has become evident that there is a desperate agenda to tarnish the image of a reform-minded officer who has brought a new level of professionalism and accountability to policing in Nigeria,”.
They further emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force follows established due process and procurement protocols in all contract matters, and that attempts to paint the leadership as corrupt without evidence amount to character assassination.
“What we are seeing is not investigative journalism—it is media warfare, weaponizing misinformation for political or personal gains”.
The Coalition called on the public to be discerning and cautious in engaging with content from platforms known for publishing unverified and inflammatory reports.
“We urge IGP Egbetokun not to be distracted by these acts of provocation. Nigerians appreciate the professionalism, calm leadership, and reforms he is championing within the force,” Odeyemi and Atani concluded.
“We stand for truth, integrity, and the protection of public officers who serve with honour. This campaign of calumny must not be allowed to thrive unchecked.”
