The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has detailed the recovery of N31 million that had been unlawfully obtained from a civilian by four of its officers.
The officers are accused of conducting an unlawful arrest and extorting funds from a civilian. This information was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, who also refuted claims that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was protecting a cartel involved in the illicit circulation of new Naira notes.
The incident occurred on August 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Those involved include Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekeinde Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all of whom are attached to Zone 7 in Abuja.
Under the direction of Inspector Okafor and acting on DSP Ejike’s orders, the officers unlawfully detained Andrew Ejah, an employee of Fatfad Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was in possession of N74,950,000 on behalf of his clients. The officers subsequently misrepresented the amount recovered as N31,790,000.
It was alleged that the officers requested a portion of the funds in exchange for suppressing the case. When contacted by the owners of the money, the officers reiterated their claim that only N31,790,000 had been recovered and sought a cut to compromise the investigation.
In response to this situation, the owners filed a petition with the Force Headquarters in Abuja, prompting the IGP Monitoring Unit to initiate an investigation. This inquiry resulted in the recovery of N31,790,000 from the officers; however, there remain suspicions concerning the actual amount taken from Mr. Ejah.
The implicated officers have faced disciplinary action. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the police force. The NPF has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing similar matters.