The Nigeria Police Force has categorically dismissed allegations that Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is shielding a cartel involved in smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NPF described the claims as baseless and a calculated attempt to tarnish the IGP’s reputation and undermine the integrity of the Force.
The controversy stems from an incident on August 26, 2023, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where officers from the Zone 7 Headquarters were implicated in misconduct involving the arrest of a cargo company employee and the handling of ₦74,950,000 in cash.
According to the police, a team led by Inspector Esther Okafor, under the directive of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Peter Ejike, unlawfully detained Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting the cash on behalf of clients.
The officers allegedly misrepresented the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000 and demanded a cut of the funds to suppress the case.
“These actions were unprofessional and criminal,” said Police Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in the statement. “Greed drove the officers to act illegally, misusing their positions for personal gain.”
Following a petition by the alleged owners of the money, the case was referred to the IGP Monitoring Unit, which uncovered that the officers had tampered with evidence and conspired to steal ₦43,160,000.
Forensic investigations revealed that the officers took photos of the money and suspect but claimed the phone used for documentation was damaged and lost.
“This false narrative circulating in the media is part of a deliberate misinformation campaign designed to divert attention from the criminal actions of these officers and malign the Inspector-General,” Adejobi added.
The accused officers have been suspended for serious misconduct, including tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, and corrupt practices. They will face prosecution after the completion of legal and administrative procedures.
Adejobi urged the public and media to avoid spreading false information, emphasizing that such narratives undermine public trust in the police.
He reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to reforming the Force and eradicating unprofessional conduct.
“Efforts to cleanse the police of unethical elements remain a top priority for the IGP,” Adejobi concluded.
