The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied allegations circulating in the media that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, is shielding some police officers who allegedly stole N43,160,000 from a person in Abuja.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF spokesperson, stated this in a document dated Wednesday, describing the claims as “baseless and orchestrated” with the intent “to tarnish the IGP’s reputation and the integrity of the Force.”
Adejobi referred to an incident on August 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, emphasizing that a thorough investigation was conducted.
The spokesperson explained that those involved in the saga were found culpable and sanctioned appropriately.
He said, ”The alleged officers implicated in the incident were attached to Zone 7 Headquarters and included DSP Peter Ejike (a lawyer in charge of Zone 7 Legal Section), Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode.”
Adejobi explained further, “These officers, led by Inspector Esther Okafor on the instruction of DSP Peter Ejike, unlawfully arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was conveying the cash sum of ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
“Acting without authorization, they detained Mr. Ejah at the Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, and deliberately misrepresented the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000.”
The NPF Public Relations Officer added, “Being contacted by the owners of the money, the officers claimed that the sum they had recovered from the arrested suspect was N31,790,000 and requested a percentage of the money to jeopardise investigation and suppress the case.
“Outraged by their actions, the money owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the matter was directed to the IGP Monitoring Unit for investigation. During the process, the cash sum of N31,790,000 was recovered from the officers, who claimed that it was the total money recovered from Andrew Ejah during his arrest.”
Unraveling the truth
Following several series of thorough investigation carried out by disciplinary panels, it was revealed that pictures of the suspect along with sacks of monies at the point of arrest were taken by the officer.
Adejobi added, ”As investigation continued, the officers alleged that the phone used to capture was faulty in order to conceal their misconduct.
”But unfortunately, forensic intelligence revealed that the alleged group of officers conspired and stole the sum of N43,160,000, which is part of the money.
”In an attempt to avert being caught, one of the alleged suspects was directed to transfer the money out of FCT for hiding pending when the heat blows over.
“They thereafter resorted to several tricks and gimmicks in order to cover their tracks. One of which is the spread of this false narrative and misinformation to several online blogs and newspaper platforms.”
Details revealed that alleged officers who moved the money through alleged cargo company were suspended after evidence showed them culpable of serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, corrupt practice, among other offences.
Adejobi noted that “…but the officers were carried away by greed and therefore acted criminally and unprofessionally.”
Sponsored Alleged Misinformation
”The police force stated that the circulated information is a fake, sponsored narrative aimed at misinforming the public and diverting criminal allegations toward the IGP.
”The force emphasized that, upon the conclusion of due legal and administrative procedures, the affected officers would be prosecuted.
”The NPF warned the public and the media to refrain from spreading false narratives intended to taint the reputation of the IGP.
“Such misinformation undermines public trust and detracts from the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reform the Police Force by eradicating unprofessional elements,” the statement concluded.