The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has disclosed details of how some officers extorted ₦43,160,000 from a cargo worker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in August 2023.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Ogunjobi, identified the culprits as Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all from the Zone 7 Headquarters.
The officers, acting on the directive of DSP Peter Ejike, unlawfully arrested Andrew Ejah, a staff member of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.
The officers falsely reported the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000 and demanded a portion of the money to suppress the case.
They detained Ejah at the Zone 7 Headquarters and attempted to mislead the alleged money owners, claiming the reduced amount.
The incident prompted the money owners to petition the Force Headquarters, leading to an investigation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Investigators discovered that the officers conspired to steal ₦43,160,000 of the recovered funds. They concealed their actions by tampering with evidence, claiming a phone containing incriminating photos was damaged and lost.
Following the investigation, the officers were suspended for serious misconduct, tampering with evidence, abuse of office, and corrupt practices.
ACP Ogunjobi emphasized that their actions were criminal and unprofessional, tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement also refuted allegations circulating online that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, shielded a cartel accused of smuggling new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Ogunjobi described these claims as baseless attempts to divert attention from the misconduct of the officers involved.
“The affected officers will face prosecution after the conclusion of legal and administrative procedures,” the statement said, urging the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation that undermines police reform efforts.
The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating unprofessional practices and upholding public trust in its ongoing reforms.
