By: Joy Musa
Two dismissed police officers have come forward with explosive allegations against the Nigeria Police Force, claiming they were sacked for refusing an ₦8 million bribe and exposing a high-profile car theft case that implicates top officers under the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during his tenure as Kwara State Commissioner of Police.
The dismissed officers, Sergeant Abdullahi Musa and Corporal Samuel Ikenna, in a detailed testimony to journalists and anti-corruption watchdogs, said they apprehended a notorious car thief in Ilorin in 2022. According to them, the suspect, who had links to powerful individuals, attempted to bribe the officers with ₦8 million to secure his release.
“We refused the bribe because we believed in our duty to uphold justice,” said Sgt. Musa. “Instead of being commended, we were transferred, harassed, and eventually dismissed from the force.”
The officers allege that senior police officers in Kwara State — with knowledge of then-Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun — intervened in the case and ensured the suspect was quietly released. They claim efforts to seek redress through internal channels were met with threats and intimidation.
“Our dismissal letters cited ‘gross misconduct’, but no formal query or disciplinary panel was ever set up. We were just pushed out,” Corporal Ikenna added.
The case is sparking outrage among civil society groups, who are calling for an independent investigation into the officers’ dismissal and the alleged cover-up. The Human Rights and Liberty Forum (HRLF) has described the incident as “a chilling example of systemic rot within the police force.”
“This is not just about two officers; it is about accountability at the highest level. If the IGP has questions to answer, so be it,” said HRLF Executive Director, Barr. Lara Bamidele.
When contacted for comments, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Department denied any wrongdoing, stating that the dismissed officers were sanctioned “in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures.” However, they declined to address the bribery allegation or the alleged interference by senior officers.
IGP Egbetokun has yet to personally respond to the allegations.
Legal experts have advised the dismissed officers to file a formal petition with the Police Service Commission and pursue legal action if necessary.
As the scandal unfolds, public pressure is mounting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take a decisive stance against corruption in the security sector — a crucial pillar in the country’s fight for rule of law and justice.
