Dirty Cash Scandal: How Policemen Stole N43.16M from Smuggled Banknotes

By Achimi Muktar

A shocking revelation has rocked the Nigeria Police Force as four officers stand accused of stealing N43.16 million out of N74.95 million in new banknotes entrusted to a private cargo firm. The incident, which has sparked outrage and condemnation, highlights greed, conspiracy, and the abuse of police authority.

Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed the details during a press briefing, refuting social media claims that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun was shielding the culprits. He confirmed that the officers involved had been suspended and would face prosecution for criminal conspiracy and theft.

How It All Unfolded

The scandal began on August 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where officers from Zone 7 Headquarters intercepted N74.95 million being transported by an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited on behalf of clients.

What was initially presented as an official investigation soon unraveled into a criminal scheme. According to Adejobi, the officers involved — DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode — unlawfully detained the cargo firm’s employee, Andrew Ejah, and misrepresented the amount recovered.

Instead of reporting the full amount, the officers declared N31.79 million and demanded a cut from the money in exchange for suppressing the case.

The Cover-Up and Forensic Evidence

Investigations revealed a web of deceit designed to conceal the theft. The officers took photographs of the cash and the suspect but later claimed the phone used for the evidence had been damaged and lost. However, forensic analysis uncovered that the group had secretly pocketed N43.16 million, which they planned to hide outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until the scandal subsided.

“These officers conspired and stole part of the money, tasking one of them to smuggle the cash out of Abuja. They also spread false narratives to blogs and newspapers to divert attention from their actions,” Adejobi explained.

Public Outcry and Internal Action

Outraged by the theft, the money’s rightful owners filed a petition with the Force Headquarters. The case was escalated to the IGP Monitoring Unit, which uncovered the criminal activities through a thorough investigation.

Adejobi emphasized that the officers had been found guilty of:

Tampering with exhibits

Abuse of office

Corrupt practices

Conduct unbecoming of law enforcement officers

“These individuals let greed override their professional responsibilities, acting criminally and unprofessionally. The movement of such large sums should have been investigated appropriately,” he stated.

IGP Egbetokun Responds

The IGP has categorically denied allegations that he shielded the officers or was involved in currency smuggling. Adejobi called these accusations baseless attempts to tarnish the force’s reputation, stating:

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency and justice. These actions by a few bad apples will not undermine the integrity of the institution.”

What Happens Next?

The suspended officers are set to face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, theft, and professional misconduct. Adejobi reiterated that the Police Force is determined to bring all involved to justice while restoring public trust.

This scandal underscores ongoing challenges within the force and the urgent need for reforms to curb corruption. For now, Nigerians are left asking: How many more cases like this go unnoticed?