The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched an immediate investigation into the alleged embezzlement of eighty million naira by officers from the Rivers State Police Command. In connection with the same incident, human rights activist Israel Joe has been invited by the police to shed light on his alleged attacks against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun.
The NPF, in a statement shared on its Facebook page, announced the investigation and the invitation to Joe. The statement, issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also addressed recent media reports accusing the IGP and other senior police officers of partaking in the division of funds recovered during investigations.
In response to these allegations, the police spokesperson stated, “To ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation, we urge the complainant, who has made these claims, to contact the Force Public Relations Officer. We request their cooperation and any pertinent information related to the matter.”
The statement continued, “We encourage you to reach out to the FPRO directly via phone at 08037168147. Additionally, we invite anyone else with information, including the blogger Diamond Dietanuru Osakorigho of Pararan Mock News, who has used abusive language on social media platforms, without conducting proper investigations or verifying the facts regarding the incident in the Rivers State Police Command.”
“The IGP was previously unaware of this ongoing case and has directed the IGP Monitoring Unit to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the culpability, if any, of all parties involved,” Adejobi added.
The statement took the opportunity to caution the public about fraudulent individuals exploiting the reputations of senior police officers, including the Inspector General of Police. It warned people to exercise vigilance and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent senior police officers in any suspicious activities.
The NPF said, “We strongly urge members of the public to report any suspicious or fraudulent activity by individuals claiming to act as agents for the IGP or any senior police officer to the NPF, the Force Public Relations Officer, or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) desk in any state of the Federation.”
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates your cooperation and assistance in helping us ensure a fair and just investigation. Together, we can maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement concluded.
In response to the invitation, human rights activist Israel Joe expressed surprise at the focus not being on the extortion issue, which is the main subject of his petition. He stated, “I am an ardent activist, and if poorly conducted investigations lead to unjust arrests, I would willingly go to prison with my head held high.”
Joe vowed not to be intimidated and declared, “Even if we do not get justice, we will continue to fight on every front.” He added, “The Nigeria Police Force acts as the judge in their own affairs, which goes against the principles of natural justice, equity, and good conscience.”
Joe emphasized the need for an unbiased investigation and expressed doubts about the police’s ability to conduct a fair trial. He highlighted that investigations into the incident leading to the extortion had not yet been conducted, despite the release of the victim, his vehicles, and part of the money.
