Even though it failed to commence investigation on an incident that occurred over a year ago, the Nigeria Police Force denies protecting a cartel that is allegedly involved in smuggling money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Pressured by the weight of public opinion, the police has rejected claims linking Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to the alleged cartel.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reports suggesting that the IGP was protecting those responsible are false.
The controversy stems from an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023.
Four officers, including DSP Peter Ejike and Inspector Esther Okafor, allegedly extorted ₦43,160,000 from an individual, Andrew Ejah, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
After unlawfully detaining Ejah, the officers claimed to have seized only ₦31,790,000 and sought a cut from the money in exchange for suppressing the case.
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Following an investigation prompted by a complaint from the money’s owners, the officers were found guilty of corruption, misconduct, and tampering with evidence.
Adejobi emphasized that these officers, who had attempted to cover up their actions by spreading false claims, have been suspended and will face prosecution.
What observers query in Mr. Adejobi’s explanation is why the NPF is yet to commence investigation on the incident that occurred over a year ago on August 26, 2023.
The Police force has urged the public and media not to propagate misinformation aimed at damaging the reputation of the IGP and to instead focus on the ongoing efforts to address corruption within the force.
