The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as baseless recent media allegations that senior officers demanded bribes during their investigation of a high-stakes commercial dispute involving Kaduna-based businessman, Mr Aliyu Abba.
Reports had accused top officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID)—including DIG Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo and his team—of soliciting a ₦750,000 bribe from Mr Abba, CEO of Multi Business Ventures.
However, internal reviews found no credible evidence to support the allegations, which were largely amplified by Sahara Reporters.
The case arose from a failed N819 million supply deal between Mr Abba’s company and Nostromo Trading Nigeria Ltd.
According to police records, the vendor received N948.3 million from Nostromo but delivered goods valued at only N835.8 million—leaving a N150.7 million shortfall.
The investigation was triggered by a petition from Mr Sajith Mahdu, an Indian procurement officer at Nostromo, who accused his employer of seizing his international passport and withholding ten months of salary.
His complaint led to the FID’s involvement and the eventual arraignment of Mr Abba.
Mr Abba was remanded in Keffi Prison on August 4 before being granted bail two days later. He now faces prosecution, while Mahdu is serving as a key witness.
Police sources say the bribery allegations are part of a media-driven attempt to derail the investigation and cast doubt on the ongoing judicial process. The case continues in court.