President Bola Tinubu has been urged to immediately call the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order over alleged abuses of power against Nigerian citizens and violations of the rule of law.
The call was made by the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) on Wednesday in Abuja. The civil society organization accused the IGP of using his position to shield influential individuals from accountability for fraudulent activities.
At a press conference in Abuja, Barrister Maxwell Chibuike Okpara, a director of INAHURAT, specifically alleged that the IGP was protecting one Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (also known as Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), who has been accused of conspiracy, forgery of land titles, theft, criminal trespass, and fraudulent sale of properties. The disputed properties include Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe and Plot 4022 in Gusape District, Abuja.
Rather than taking action on a petition against the suspect, Okpara claimed, the IGP chose to shield her from prosecution. This, he said, has subjected the victim, Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother, to grave injustice.
Frustrated by the police inaction, the petitioners escalated the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which promptly initiated an investigation. However, according to INAHURAT, instead of allowing the EFCC to conduct an independent inquiry, the IGP allegedly interfered in an attempt to frustrate the probe.
Despite this interference, the EFCC proceeded with its investigation, compiled a report, and filed a forfeiture suit against the suspect. A court subsequently ordered Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu to show cause why the disputed properties should not be forfeited to Mrs. Yesufu.
Okpara further alleged that after the EFCC took legal action, the police, which had previously claimed the matter was civil and outside their jurisdiction, suddenly filed criminal charges against the suspect. He argued that this move was not in the interest of justice but a deliberate attempt to undermine the EFCC’s efforts.
Expressing loss of confidence in the IGP, the civil society group demanded that President Tinubu intervene immediately and order a full-scale investigation into the matter. INAHURAT also called on the National Assembly to scrutinize the actions of the police and hold those responsible for abuse of power accountable.
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“The Nigerian Police Force’s attempt to manipulate this case, obstruct due process, and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability. We refuse to stand by while the rights of innocent citizens—especially vulnerable individuals like a 79-year-old grandmother—are trampled upon by those entrusted with upholding the law.
” We remain committed to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice. We urge the President, the EFCC, the judiciary, and all relevant authorities to intervene immediately to ensure justice prevails.”
It would be recalled that on December 30, 2024, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference in the case and dismissing the allegations by INAHURAT as “mischievous.”
