BREAKING: IGP Removes Imo CP, Mohammed Barde 6 Days To Guber Election

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the temporary removal of Mohammed Barde, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, ahead of the gubernatorial election in the state.

VerseNews reporthis decision comes in response to calls from the Labour Party (LP) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to remove the commissioner due to allegations of assault on Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Ajaero was reportedly picked up and assaulted by police officers, leading to public outcry.

The IGP stated that Barde will be replaced for the period of the election for neutrality’s sake.

The police in a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday read in part: “In a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo state on 11th November, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters on special duty.

“This redeployment is not an indictment on the affected officer but is rather part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering security measures, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of the electoral security management.