Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what they described as a “campaign of calumny” targeting newly promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Jimoh Moshood.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice (CCSG-PSGEJ), through its National Coordinator, James Okoronkwo, dismissed a petition against the Lagos State police chief as baseless, ill-timed, and driven by ulterior motives.
The group noted that the petition surfaced shortly after Moshood’s elevation by the Police Service Commission on March 12, 2026, suggesting it was a reaction rooted in resentment rather than facts.
Describing the move as “sour grapes,” the coalition argued that the allegations were a calculated attempt to derail the career of a disciplined and high-performing officer. It maintained that Moshood’s rise within the police force reflects years of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.
According to the CSOs, his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State was marked by firm but lawful enforcement, especially in sensitive issues such as land disputes and public order, where the police played a supportive role in ensuring compliance with due legal processes.
The coalition rejected claims of illegal demolitions and disobedience of court orders, insisting that such accusations distort the facts.
It clarified that relevant state mechanisms determined the merit of property disputes, while the police only provided professional backing to enforce lawful decisions.
Raising broader concerns, the group warned against the growing trend of using media petitions and public smear campaigns to undermine public officials. It stressed that grievances should be addressed through established legal channels rather than through attempts to sway public opinion.
The CSOs further urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to protect officers from undue harassment and ensure that all complaints are handled strictly within the confines of the law.