The Nigeria Police Force has suspended four officers implicated in the theft of ₦43.16 million out of ₦74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The officers, identified as DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, were attached to Zone 7 Headquarters and found guilty of conspiring to tamper with evidence, abuse of office, and other misconduct.
In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that the officers arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, in August 2023. Ejah was transporting cash for clients when he was intercepted by the officers. However, the team declared only ₦31.79 million as recovered, concealing ₦43.16 million of the funds.
The case came to light when the owners of the money filed a petition, prompting an investigation by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit. The inquiry uncovered that the officers tampered with the exhibits and fabricated excuses to cover their tracks. They initially took photographs of the money and the suspect but later claimed that the device used for documentation had been damaged and lost.
Further investigations revealed that the officers pressured the complainants to give them a portion of the money in exchange for derailing the case. Only ₦31.79 million was eventually recovered from the officers during the inquiry.
The police found the four officers guilty of illegal duties, tampering with evidence, and corruption. They have been suspended pending prosecution following due administrative procedures.
Adejobi condemned what he called a “sponsored misinformation campaign” attempting to implicate the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the scandal. He dismissed allegations of the IGP shielding a cartel involved in smuggling new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria, labeling the claims as baseless and defamatory.
Adejobi stated that the false narratives were being spread to distract from the misconduct of the officers and undermine public confidence in the Police Force. He emphasized the police administration’s commitment to eradicating unprofessional behavior and ensuring justice.
The Police Force has urged the public and the media to refrain from spreading misinformation, assuring citizens that efforts to reform and professionalize the police service are ongoing.
