The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has categorically refuted allegations linking the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to the protection of a cartel allegedly involved in smuggling new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In an official statement, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the claims as unfounded and part of a coordinated effort to tarnish the IGP’s reputation and undermine the credibility of the Police Force.
The incident in question occurred on August 26, 2023, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and involved four officers from Zone 7 Headquarters: DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode. According to Adejobi, these officers unlawfully arrested Mr. Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
During the arrest, the officers falsely reported the seized amount as ₦31,790,000 and demanded a portion of the funds in exchange for suppressing the case. Following a petition from the money’s rightful owners, the IGP Monitoring Unit launched an investigation, uncovering a conspiracy to misappropriate ₦43,160,000 of the total sum.
Further investigations revealed that the officers attempted to cover up their misconduct by claiming that photographic evidence of the cash and suspect had been lost due to a damaged phone. Forensic analysis, however, confirmed that the officers had concealed the stolen funds outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and disseminated false information to media outlets in an attempt to implicate the IGP and deflect attention from their criminal actions.
“The implicated officers have been suspended and will face prosecution for gross misconduct, tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and conspiracy,” Adejobi stated. “Their actions were driven by greed and a blatant disregard for professional ethics.”
The NPF condemned the spread of false narratives designed to discredit the IGP and urged the public and media to exercise caution in disseminating unverified information. “Such misinformation erodes public trust and detracts from the ongoing efforts to reform the Police Force by eliminating unprofessional elements,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, the NPF emphasized that any officer found guilty of misconduct will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
