The People Gazette report reveals that Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun allegedly colluded with a notorious cartel involved in smuggling new banknotes from the CBN vault. Despite multiple trials clearing police officers, Nigerians are reacting to the IG's actions, questioning his involvement in the illicit operation and his handling of the case.
Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has found himself at the center of a controversy involving a cartel smuggling cash from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This syndicate was exposed after four inspectors at the Abuja airport discovered a suspicious consignment on August 26, 2023. The suspects, who were caught attempting to board a Lagos-bound flight with millions in new N500 and N200 notes, identified themselves as "contractors" but refused to disclose which CBN officials were involved in the operation.
Despite their arrest, the suspects were later released after intervention from the IGP's monitoring unit, leading to accusations that Egbetokun was protecting the cartel. The suspects, who claimed the cash had been depleted from N75 million to N32 million, were not forthcoming with details about the source of the money. A subsequent investigation by the police cleared the four officers involved of any wrongdoing, stating there was no evidence of theft or tampering.
However, Egbetokun ordered multiple trials, fueling suspicions that he was attempting to cover up a larger conspiracy involving high-ranking officials. Nigerians have expressed outrage, with many accusing the IGP of corruption and complicity in protecting the cartel. Social media reactions highlight growing frustration with the alleged collusion between law enforcement and influential figures, with some questioning Egbetokun's loyalty to the public interest.
The situation remains unresolved, with citizens demanding accountability from both the police leadership and the government.
