The Nigeria Police Force has suspended four officers implicated in the theft of ₦43.16 million from a total of ₦74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja ¹ ². The officers, identified as DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, were attached to Zone 7 Headquarters.
The incident occurred in August 2023 when the officers, led by Inspector Okafor under DSP Ejike’s directive, arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited. Ejah was transporting cash on behalf of clients when the officers allegedly recovered the money.
The officers reported only ₦31.79 million as the recovered amount, concealing the remaining ₦43.16 million. They initially claimed technical issues with evidence and demanded a percentage of the recovered sum to suppress the case.
Following a petition by the owners of the money, the case was escalated to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit. Investigations revealed that the officers conspired to steal part of the cash and attempted to hide their tracks by spreading false narratives.
Forensic intelligence showed that the officers stole ₦43,160,000 and tasked one of them to move the cash out of the FCT for hiding. They also spread false narratives and misinformation to several online blogs and newspaper platforms.
The officers have been suspended for serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and acts unbecoming of police officers. They will face prosecution upon conclusion of due legal and administrative procedures.
The police dismissed allegations suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was shielding a cartel accused of smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi condemned the “sponsored misinformation campaign” aimed at implicating the IGP in the scandal. He urged the public and media to refrain from spreading false narratives that undermine trust in the Police Force ¹[2).
The police assured Nigerians of their commitment to accountability, transparency, and professionalism in addressing internal misconduct.
The current administration remains committed to reforming the Police Force by eliminating unprofessional elements.
The suspension of the four officers demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to addressing corruption and misconduct within its ranks.
