Nigeria Nigeria Police Denies IGP's Role in ₦43.16m Cash Smuggling Scandal

The Nigeria Police Force refuted claims linking IGP Kayode Egbetokun to a ₦43.16m cash smuggling scandal involving four officers. The officers were suspended and face prosecution for theft, misconduct, and tampering with evidence. Investigations uncovered their conspiracy and abuse of office, undermining police integrity.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted allegations of complicity by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun in a cash smuggling scandal involving four police officers accused of stealing ₦43,160,000. These officers, attached to Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja, are facing suspension and prosecution for misconduct, theft, and conspiracy.

According to Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the incident stemmed from the unlawful arrest of Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on August 26, 2023. The officers misreported the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000 and demanded a cut to suppress the investigation. Evidence later revealed they conspired to hide ₦43,160,000 of the funds.

The officers, including DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Esther Okafor, Inspector Ekende Edwin, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, are accused of tampering with exhibits, abusing their office, and engaging in corrupt practices. Investigations uncovered attempts to conceal their actions, including damaging a phone containing evidence.

The Inspector-General ordered a thorough investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit, leading to the recovery of the misappropriated funds. Adejobi stressed that attempts to link Egbetokun to the crime are baseless fabrications designed to mislead the public and undermine police reforms.

The NPF assured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging restraint in spreading false narratives. Legal proceedings against the implicated officers are ongoing, reflecting the administration's zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct within the force.