The Nigeria Police Force has revealed the findings of a forensic investigation into the smuggling of new banknotes worth N74.95 million, exposing an attempt by some officers to divert N43.16 million.
According to the Force Headquarters, the money was being transported on behalf of clients when the officers unlawfully intercepted it.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, refuted allegations circulating on social media that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was shielding a cartel involved in the smuggling of banknotes. He clarified that the officers’ actions were a criminal deviation from their duties, adding, “This group of officers conspired to steal part of the money and tasked one of them to move it out of the Federal Capital Territory to avoid detection.”
The incident occurred on August 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The officers—DSP Peter Ejike (Zone 7 Legal Section), Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode—were found guilty of intercepting the cash, illegally detaining an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, and misrepresenting the recovered sum.
Illegal Actions and Cover-Up
The officers falsely reported the amount recovered as N31.79 million and demanded a percentage to suppress the case. The money’s owners, outraged by the officers’ misconduct, petitioned the Force Headquarters, leading to an investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
During the investigation, it was discovered that:
The officers unlawfully detained Mr. Andrew Ejah, who was transporting the funds.
They attempted to conceal their actions by taking photographs of the suspect and the money, later claiming the device used was damaged and lost.
Forensic intelligence revealed the officers had conspired to divert N43.16 million and moved it out of the FCT for safekeeping.
Sanctions and Reforms
The officers were found guilty of misconduct, including tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and unprofessional conduct. They have been suspended pending further disciplinary actions.
Adejobi emphasized, “The movement of such an amount by the alleged cargo company could have been investigated professionally, but these officers allowed greed to dictate their actions.”
He condemned the spread of misinformation, describing it as a diversionary tactic by the officers to obscure their crimes. The Force reiterated its commitment to holding erring personnel accountable while upholding transparency and integrity.
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