A civil society organization, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently rein in the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, INAHURAT’s Director, Barrister Maxwell Chibuike Okpara, accused the IGP of using his position to shield influential individuals involved in criminal activities from prosecution. Okpara specifically cited the case of Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Bilikusi Ishaku Aliyu, who is accused of conspiracy, forgery of land titles, theft, criminal trespass, and fraudulent sale of properties in Katampe and Gusape districts of Abuja.
According to the group, despite a formal petition being filed against the suspect, the IGP’s office refused to investigate the matter, effectively protecting the accused from facing legal consequences. This, Okpara said, has left the victim, 79-year-old Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, without justice.
Frustrated by the police inaction, INAHURAT forwarded the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which promptly commenced an investigation. However, the group alleged that the IGP attempted to interfere with the EFCC’s work, aiming to frustrate the ongoing investigation.
“The EFCC diligently investigated the matter and filed a suit in court seeking a forfeiture order against the suspect. The court has since directed the suspect to explain why the properties should not be forfeited to Mrs. Yesufu,” Okpara stated.
Okpara further alleged that in response to the EFCC’s progress, the IGP’s office hastily filed criminal charges against the suspect—not to serve justice but to distract from the EFCC’s efforts and obscure the truth.
INAHURAT expressed its loss of confidence in the IGP and called on President Tinubu to intervene immediately. The group also urged the National Assembly to probe the police’s conduct in the case and ensure accountability for any abuse of power.
“The Nigerian Police Force’s actions in this case represent a direct attack on justice, transparency, and the rule of law,” the group said. “We will not stand by while the rights of vulnerable citizens like a 79-year-old grandmother are trampled upon by those entrusted with protecting them.”
INAHURAT reaffirmed its commitment to exposing human rights abuses and called on the EFCC, judiciary, and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure justice is served.
In response to these allegations, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on December 30, 2024, denying any interference by the IGP in the case. The police dismissed the accusations as baseless and mischievous.