Revelations have emerged that the former Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, was abruptly removed from his position over what sources described as three major infractions considered unacceptable by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Hundeyin had taken over the role from Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who now serves as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Delta State Police Command.
According to senior police sources, Hundeyin allegedly displayed what they described as Infantile handling of sensitive issues while serving as the Force spokesperson.
One of the major issues cited was his response to the controversy surrounding the alleged transfer of N100 million by the Anambra State Government into the bank account of the son of the then Inspector-General of Police.
Sources said Hundeyin initially denied the claim and later reversed his position by stating that the money had been transferred in error.
“The money was transferred in error,” Hundeyin reportedly said while addressing the issue.
His comments reportedly sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning how such a large amount could be mistakenly transferred.
Another issue raised by insiders was Hundeyin’s defence of the promotion of a female police officer, identified as ACP Kuti, who was allegedly close to the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Hundeyin had reportedly told Sahara Reporters that the promotion followed due process and complied with established police regulations.
However, sources claimed that many of Kuti’s course mates were still serving at the rank of Superintendent, raising concerns among officers within the force.
Another controversy arose from Hundeyin’s remarks on the legal dispute between the Lagos State Police Command and Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.
Sowore had won the case and was awarded damages by the court.
In reaction, Hundeyin reportedly told journalists that the matter was “purely a Lagos State Police Command affair.”
Sources within the police hierarchy reportedly viewed the statement as inappropriate, noting that the Lagos command operates under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police and therefore cannot be separated from the Force Headquarters on such matters.
Police insiders also said that senior officers close to the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, brought these issues to his attention.
According to them, the officers argued that Hundeyin had not demonstrated the level of caution and maturity required to manage communications for the force.
They reportedly contrasted his approach with that of his predecessor, Adejobi, who they said would often decline immediate comments on sensitive matters or inform reporters that he would respond after proper consultation.
Sources further indicated that Giwa, a Chief Superintendent of Police who previously served at the Lagos State Police Command and the Police Cooperative, is being considered as a possible replacement for the position.
