In a security environment often criticized for high-handedness, one police officer stands out for his calm, tactful, and professional approach—Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi. His recent handling of the invitation and temporary detention of human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has drawn widespread commendation.
Sowore was invited by the Nigeria Police Force over alleged forgery of documents he purported to be NPF documents and alleged cyber bullying. Sowore has also made comments describing the continued stay of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, PhD in office as "illegal." According to Sowore, the IGP’s tenure had expired, citing provisions of the Police Act 2020, which mandates the retirement of officers at the age of 60 or after 35 years of service. Egbetokun, born September 4, 1964, was expected to retire in September 2024.
However, the Attorney General of the Federal and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN issued a press release clarifying that there was no extension of the IGP’s tenure. Rather, that Egbetokun is to serve the four-year term stipulated in his original appointment letter issued by the Presidency, aligning with recent legislative amendments. In July, the National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill to remove ambiguities around the IGP's tenure, following a request by President Tinubu.
Sowore’s visit to the police headquarters didn’t go unnoticed. When asked to stay back for further clarification, tensions reportedly rose. However, CP Shogunle stepped in with calmness and professionalism, ensuring that Sowore was treated with dignity and that the press was given limited but respectful access. In a climate where such interactions can easily escalate, Dr. Shogunle’s composed demeanor de-escalated the situation.
Despite Sowore's vocal criticisms and defiance, he maintained decorum and civility, engaging the media briefly and ensuring that the session concluded without incident. His conduct is now being hailed as emblematic of a new, more civil face of the Nigerian Police Force—one committed to upholding the rule of law and engaging with citizens in a respectful manner.
Background of CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi
Shogunle is not new to public engagement or strategic policing. With over 33 years of practical policing experience, he trained at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, as a Cadet Inspector. He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Educational Systems Administration from the University of Ibadan, and another Master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies from the University of Ilorin, and a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Management and Political Science from the University of Ibadan.
His career includes: Serving as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in various stations in Oyo State. Acting Second-in-Command, State CID Iyaganku, Ibadan. Service with international missions including the UN Mission in Kosovo and the AU Mission in Darfur, Sudan. Attendance the UN Police Course in Nairobi, Kenya and an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), attended IACP Conference in San Diego, USA. Participation in two study tours of the Pakistani Police Forces in 2013, and the Pakistani Security Forces response to insecurity in 2021. He has also being to Sao Tome and Principe during a 2021 research on Good Governance and Sustainable Development, while studying for his 'fellow security studies' fsi at the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja.
He has held key roles such as: Deputy Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, Abuja. PPRO of Zone 11, Osogbo. DC Administration Zone 6 Calabar, DC Operations Osun State. Pioneer Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), established in 2015 that ensured Bail was Free. The CRU described as a first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa in a BBC World documentary, was designed to bridge the gap between citizens and the police through real-time multi-platform communication.
For his service, CP Shogunle received the "Inspector General's Commendation for Merit" award in 2015.
Shogunle’s demonstrating maturity and professionalism in his calm handling of the Sowore situation shows a new direction for policing in Nigeria—one that values dialogue, transparency, and the rule of law.