CP Adebowale pledged to prioritize intelligence-led policing, robust community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen law and order across the state
CP Lawal Adebowale Assumes Duty as 46th Commissioner of Police in Ondo
…Vows to Deepen Community Trust and Public Safety
Akure, Ondo State – The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of a seasoned crime-fighter, Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale, psc(+), mnips, as the 46th Commissioner of Police for Ondo State Command, taking over from CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ondo State Police Command on Monday, emphasizing that CP Adebowale brings a distinguished and diverse career experience spanning over three decades in law enforcement across multiple states and international assignments.
CP Adebowale officially assumed duty amid high expectations from the people of Ondo State, as security challenges persist in various parts of the country. He has pledged to prioritize intelligence-led policing, robust community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen law and order across the state.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has placed in me. I assure the government and people of Ondo State of my total commitment to sustaining peace, upholding justice, and rebuilding trust between the Police and the communities we serve,” CP Adebowale said during a brief handover ceremony at the Command Headquarters in Akure.
He added, “Security is everyone’s business. I call on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, and all stakeholders to work closely with us. Together, we can build a safer Ondo State for all.”
An Officer with a Global Footprint
CP Lawal Adebowale holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His academic foundation is reinforced by extensive professional training—both within and outside Nigeria.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has served in key positions across Edo, Yobe, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Cross River, Katsina, Enugu, and at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He has worked as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Robbery and Anti-Kidnapping Units, and later rose to become Assistant Commissioner in the IGP X-Squad and Deputy Commissioner in charge of Professional Studies at the Nigeria Police Academy.
Notably, between 2006 and 2009, CP Adebowale was seconded to INTERPOL as a Sub-Regional Bureau Officer. He managed sensitive crime portfolios such as stolen vehicles, travel documents, DNA and fingerprint records, and stolen works of art across West and Central Africa, advancing cross-border collaboration and international policing standards.
Before his latest assignment, he served as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Force Quartermaster at the Force Headquarters, overseeing logistics and operational readiness nationwide.
Tribute to Outgoing CP Afolabi
The Ondo State Police Command also paid tribute to the outgoing CP Wilfred Afolabi for his dedicated service and professionalism.
“CP Afolabi served with distinction and left behind a legacy of discipline and proactive policing. We wish him greater success in his new national assignment,” the Command said in the statement.
Public Engagement and Contact Channels
In a move that underscores his commitment to accessibility and transparency, CP Adebowale has released a dedicated phone line—09060588958—through which members of the public can reach him directly for credible security tips or crime-related matters.
The Command also urged residents to follow verified social media platforms for real-time updates:
X (formerly Twitter): @OndoPoliceNg
Instagram: @ondopolicecommand
Facebook: Ondo Police Command
Email: ondopolice@gmail.com
As CP Lawal Adebowale settles into his new role, the people of Ondo State and security observers across Nigeria will be watching with keen interest as one of the nation’s most experienced police officers charts a new course for safety and security in the Sunshine State. Read More
