Police Deny Smuggling Allegations Against IGP Egbetokun
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly denied allegations linking its Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, to a smuggling cartel accused of handling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the claims as “baseless” and an orchestrated effort to tarnish the reputation of the IGP and the integrity of the NPF.
The allegations stem from an incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023. Adejobi confirmed the matter had been thoroughly investigated, leading to disciplinary action against four officers attached to Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.
The officers implicated in the incident include DSP Peter Ejike, who headed the Zone 7 Legal Section, alongside Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode. According to the statement, the group unlawfully detained Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
Acting without authorization, the officers allegedly misrepresented the recovered sum as ₦31,790,000 and sought a percentage of the money to suppress the case.
“The officers further demanded a percentage of the funds to suppress the case,” the statement revealed.
Upon being contacted by the alleged owners of the money, the officers claimed the recovered sum was ₦31,790,000 and sought financial compensation to impede the investigation. This prompted the owners to file a petition with Force Headquarters, Abuja, leading to an investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Adejobi emphasized that the IGP had no involvement in the incident and had ensured due process was followed. He reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to transparency, justice, and accountability, urging the public to disregard attempts to tarnish the image of the Force.
