Four Suspended Police Officers to Stand Trial for N43m Theft
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended four officers accused of stealing N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million seized during an unauthorised operation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The police also refuted allegations that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun was shielding a cartel involved in smuggling questionable new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The suspended officers, DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, were attached to the Zone 7 Headquarters. They allegedly arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, in August 2023 while he was transporting cash on behalf of clients.
Investigations revealed that while the officers reported recovering N31.79 million, they concealed N43.16 million. After the money’s owners filed a petition, the case was transferred to the IGP Monitoring Unit for further investigation.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the officers attempted to cover up their actions by manipulating evidence and spreading false claims.
“Upon being contacted by the money’s alleged owners, the officers claimed they had recovered only N31,790,000 and demanded a percentage of the money to suppress the investigation. Outraged by their actions, the owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, leading to the recovery of N31,790,000 from the officers, who insisted it was the total amount seized from Ejah,” Adejobi stated.
Further investigations uncovered that the officers had taken photos of the suspect and the seized cash during the arrest but later claimed the phone used for the documentation was damaged and lost. Forensic evidence revealed that they conspired to steal N43.16 million, which was hidden outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Adejobi added, “These officers resorted to spreading false narratives and misinformation to divert attention from their misconduct. The officers have been found guilty of serious offences, including tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and engaging in unauthorised duties. They are suspended pending prosecution following legal and administrative procedures.”
He also condemned attempts to implicate the IGP in the scandal, describing the claims as “sponsored misinformation.”
“The false narrative being circulated is a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to divert attention from the officers’ crimes and tarnish the IGP’s reputation. We urge the public and media to refrain from spreading such unfounded allegations, which undermine public trust and detract from ongoing police reforms aimed at eradicating unprofessional conduct,” Adejobi concluded.
The case highlights the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks while maintaining accountability.