 has refuted allegations circulating in the media that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was){kind=link}
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted allegations circulating in the media that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was involved in a smuggling operation involving new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, described the claims as unfounded and an intentional effort to tarnish the reputation of both the IGP and the police.
He clarified that the incident under scrutiny, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023, had been thoroughly investigated, and those responsible had been identified and sanctioned.
According to Adejobi, four officers from Zone 7 Headquarters—DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode—were found guilty of misconduct.
Acting under the direction of DSP Ejike, Inspector Okafor and her team illegally detained Andrew Ejah, a staff member of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 for clients.
The officers, however, falsely reported that only ₦31,790,000 was recovered, and demanded a share of the money to suppress the case.
The misconduct came to light after the money’s owners filed a petition with the Force Headquarters, prompting an investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Forensic analysis revealed that the officers had conspired to steal ₦43,160,000 and tried to cover up their actions by tampering with evidence and spreading misinformation through media platforms.
Adejobi noted that the officers had photographed the money and the suspect at the time of arrest but later claimed the images were lost due to a damaged phone.
Further investigations exposed their conspiracy, including attempts to move the stolen cash out of the Federal Capital Territory to avoid detection.
The accused officers have since been suspended for offences including tampering with evidence, corruption, abuse of office, and other acts unbecoming of law enforcement personnel.
Adejobi emphasized that such cases should have been handled professionally, but the officers allowed greed to guide their actions.
The NPF has assured the public that the implicated officers will face prosecution once legal and administrative procedures are completed.
The Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks.