FCT: Human Rights Group Urges Tinubu to Investigate IGP Egbetokun Over Alleged Fraudulent Sale of Properties
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) A human rights group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on his involvement in an alleged Criminal Trespass and Fraudulent Sale of Properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 Katampe and Plot 4022 Guzape District, Abuja by one Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (Aka Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), Homadil Realty Limited and Co.
Recall that on December 23, 2024, the group raised allegations of Conspiracy, Forgery of Titles, Theft, Criminal Trespass and Fraudulent Sale of Properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 Katampe and Plot 4022 Guzape District, Abuja Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (Aka Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), Homadil Realty Limited and Co.
Furrther recall that the group expressed their deep concern over how the Inspector General of Police, IGP was using his office to shield the suspects from proper investigation, thereby allowing Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu a 79-year-old grandmother to suffer injustice.
During a world press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the spokesperson of group, Chief Maxwell Opara Esq. said, following their January 8, press briefing, and in a clear attempt to cover up their complicity, the Nigerian Police hurriedly filed criminal charges against the suspect—not in the interest of justice, but rather to divert attention from their initial efforts to frustrate the case. Arraigned her in court secretly without the notice of the fraud victims and bail granted to her without any objection.
However, this last-minute move by the police according to Okpara is a calculated strategy aimed at: Creating a distraction from the evidence already presented against them, undermining the EFCC’s work by taking control of a case that is already far advanced under the EFCC’s jurisdiction and further shielding the suspect from proper legal consequences through manipulations within the police system.
He said, “On December 30, 2024, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference and dismissing our claims as “mischief.” He further stated that the IGP had “no business dealing with civil matters.”
“However, in response to this misleading and inaccurate statement, we convened another press briefing on January 8, 2025, where we presented credible evidence of how the IGP had actively frustrated the investigation from the moment the petition was submitted to his office.
“We provided details on how the EFCC diligently carried out a thorough investigation, prepared a report, and proceeded to court for a forfeiture order against the suspects.
“We highlighted that the court had already ordered the suspect, Bilikisu Ishaq Aliyu, to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the rightful owner Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu.
We declared our loss of confidence in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) regarding this case due to their complicity and deliberate obstruction of justice.
“We commended the EFCC for their professionalism and dedication in handling the matter fairly and without bias.”
Okpara said, given these glaring abuses of power, “we are calling on His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to order a full-scale, independent investigation into this case, including the role played by the Nigerian Police Force in attempting to derail justice.
“The Inspector General of Police to immediately hands off this matter and allow the EFCC to continue with its legally sanctioned investigation and forfeiture process.
“The National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to scrutinize the conduct of the police in this matter and ensure that officers who abuse their powers for personal or political interests are held accountable.
“The Nigerian Judiciary to remain vigilant against any form of manipulation by those who seek to obstruct justice through delay tactics and baseless criminal charges,” he concluded.
The group lamented on the desperation of the police’s attempt to manipulate the case, obstruct due process, and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability.
He noted that, “We refuse to standby 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 stand firm in our commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice, and we will not relent until this matter is properly addressed.”
