The Media Rights Advocacy Centre (MRAC) strongly condemns the deliberate misinformation and malicious attacks being orchestrated by Sahara Reporters and its publisher, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. In what has now become a sustained campaign of calumny, the online blog continues to push narratives aimed at discrediting the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force while seeking to undermine the morale of officers and distract the force from its primary responsibility of securing lives and property.
The latest publication by Sahara Reporters, which falsely claims that the Nigerian police authorities have mandated personnel to contribute over ₦3 billion to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) under the leadership of the IGP’s wife, is yet another example of its reckless and defamatory journalism. This baseless allegation is not only misleading but also a gross misrepresentation of long-standing traditions within the Nigeria Police Force.
For the record, the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) is a reputable organization that has, for decades, provided support to the families of police personnel. Through various initiatives, POWA plays a critical role in providing relief materials, palliatives, and empowerment programs for the wives and children of police officers, including those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The so-called “POWA dues” referenced in the Sahara Reporters publication are, in fact, a long-standing contribution by police personnel across various state commands, which has been in place long before the tenure of IGP Kayode Egbetokun. These contributions are aimed at accumulating necessary funds to sustain POWA’s numerous welfare projects and campaigns, which have benefited thousands of police families over the years.
It is therefore disingenuous for Sahara Reporters to block out crucial details from a routine internal communication within a state police command and twist it into a nationwide directive, falsely attributing it to the POWA President in a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The misrepresentation of this noble initiative as “extortion” or a scheme for the unjust enrichment of the IGP’s wife is not only absurd but also an insult to the thousands of police families who rely on POWA’s support.
It is no secret that Mr. Sowore and his online platform have, in recent times, constituted themselves as a propaganda machinery against the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. The sustained attacks on IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police reflect a deliberate and calculated effort to discredit the force and destabilize national security. By repeatedly pushing false narratives, Sahara Reporters has demonstrated an agenda that goes beyond journalism—it is an orchestrated attempt to create distrust between the police and the Nigerian public.
This latest smear campaign is part of a broader pattern where Sahara Reporters has, over the years, published unverified and sensationalized reports against public office holders, security agencies, and government institutions. Time and again, its publications have been riddled with half-truths, misleading headlines, and outright falsehoods designed to manipulate public opinion for political or personal gain.
At a time when Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, responsible journalism should focus on promoting factual and constructive discourse rather than engaging in baseless attacks on institutions working tirelessly to maintain law and order. Nigerians must be wary of individuals and platforms that disguise themselves as media watchdogs while, in reality, pursuing selfish agendas that threaten national security.
We urge the public to disregard the misleading claims made by Sahara Reporters and its allies and to continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and stability in the country. The continuous attempts by Sahara Reporters to incite public distrust in the police should be seen for what they truly are an attempt to weaken our security institutions for ulterior motives.
Finally, we call on media practitioners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication. The role of the press in shaping public perception is critical, and it must not be compromised by sensationalism and falsehoods. The Nigeria Police Force deserves the cooperation and encouragement of all Nigerians, not unwarranted attacks driven by ulterior motives.
Sahara Reporters’ recent publication on POWA dues is just another episode in its long history of publishing misleading and defamatory content against public institutions. Nigerians must remain vigilant and not fall prey to these deliberate falsehoods. The nation’s security and the credibility of its institutions should not be sacrificed for political theatrics and personal vendettas.
