The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has uncovered a shocking case of corruption involving officers attempting to steal ₦43.16 million from a smuggled cash haul totaling ₦74.95 million, which was allegedly being transported on behalf of clients.
Background and Arrest
The incident occurred on August 26, 2023, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Officers from Zone 7 Headquarters, led by DSP Peter Ejike and including Inspector Esther Okafor, Inspector Ekende Edwin, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, intercepted the cash. They detained Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, without proper authorization.
The officers misrepresented the amount recovered, claiming they had only seized ₦31.79 million and demanded a cut to suppress the investigation.
Investigation Findings
Following a complaint by the owners of the money, the IGP Monitoring Unit launched a forensic investigation. The investigation revealed the officers:
- Conspired to steal ₦43.16 million.
- Falsified reports and hid the actual amount seized.
- Claimed a phone containing evidence was “damaged and lost” to obstruct justice.
Photographs of the suspect and the cash, later recovered through forensic analysis, exposed their actions.
Police Response
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, condemned the officers’ actions and clarified that the allegations of a smuggling cartel involving the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun are baseless.
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically refutes claims suggesting that the IGP is shielding any cartel,” Adejobi stated. He emphasized that the officers’ actions were motivated by greed and were in no way linked to the IGP.
Disciplinary Action and Legal Proceedings
The officers have been suspended and will face prosecution for:
- Serious misconduct.
- Tampering with evidence.
- Corruption and abuse of office.
Adejobi assured the public that the affected officers would be held accountable, emphasizing that their conduct undermines ongoing efforts to reform the police and restore public trust.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges within the Nigerian Police Force, but it also showcases the commitment of the leadership to rooting out corruption. The public has been urged to disregard misinformation targeting the IGP and focus on supporting reforms aimed at professionalizing the force.
