Breaking: Ondo Police Commissioner Redeployed By IGP Disu

He was subsequently replaced by Senior Police Officer Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe as the new Commissioner of Police for Ondo State.

Police sources at Force Headquarters in Abuja alleged that Lawal’s removal was partly linked to his decision to grant audience to human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters who visited the Ondo State Police Command to report the alleged assault on June 12 demonstrators in Akure.

Further reports indicated that an earlier investigative publication exposing claims by officers under his command, alleging that he imposed monthly financial levies running into millions of naira, contributed significantly to the decision. Some officers alleged that the compulsory remittances placed heavy pressure on personnel within the command.

Multiple sources within the Ondo State Police Command also alleged that the system of financial demands had been ongoing, with some officers claiming it affected morale and operational efficiency. In one tragic claim, a senior officer reportedly died from complications linked to high blood pressure, allegedly worsened by the pressure from the financial expectations.

In addition, some clerics in Ondo had previously accused the command of extortion, alleging that they were arrested and later pressured under controversial circumstances involving financial demands. One of the claims further alleged threats made during interrogation, though these remain unverified.

The police authorities have not issued an official public statement detailing the full reasons for the redeployment, but the development has sparked widespread discussion within security and public circles.