The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted allegations linking the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to a purported cartel accused of smuggling new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Describing the claims as unfounded and malicious, the Force emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity while promising to prosecute erring officers involved in criminal activities.
The incident in question, which unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023, involved a group of officers from the Zone 7 Headquarters: DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode. These officers unlawfully arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the officers deliberately misrepresented the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000 and demanded a percentage of the funds to suppress the case. The owners of the money, alarmed by these actions, petitioned the Force Headquarters, prompting an investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Forensic intelligence uncovered that the officers conspired to steal ₦43,160,000 from the recovered funds and attempted to hide their misconduct through various deceptive tactics. These included claiming damage and loss of critical evidence, such as photographs taken at the scene of the arrest.
The NPF has since suspended the implicated officers, charging them with serious misconduct, theft, tampering with exhibits, and abuse of office. They now face dismissal and prosecution following due legal procedures.
In a statement, the Force highlighted that the false narrative circulating in the media is part of a smear campaign to divert attention from the officers' criminal actions while tarnishing the reputation of the IGP. The NPF called on the public and media outlets to disregard such misinformation, which undermines public trust and ongoing efforts to reform the Police Force.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the administration's commitment to eradicating unprofessionalism within the Force, stressing that no officer, irrespective of rank, is above the law.
The officers will be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the administrative and legal process. Meanwhile, the Force assured Nigerians of its resolve to uphold transparency and professionalism in its operations.
Tags
News