Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo and two other police officers have dismissed allegations of bribery while handling a commercial dispute between two business entities.
The officers of the Nigerian Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department (FID) were accused of demanding a N750,000 bribe from a vendor in a disputed commercial transaction.
The officers, including Deputy Inspector General Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, his assistant M. M. Gadzama, and investigative officers Sunday Agboji and Mathew Abu, were accused in media reports—most notably by Sahara Reporters—of demanding a N750,000 bribe from a vendor in a disputed commercial transaction.
However, responding to the media reports, they said findings indicate no evidence to support the claims.
The case centres on a business dispute involving Nostromo Trading Nigeria Ltd, an import and export firm, and its vendor, Mr Aliyu Abba, Chief Executive Officer of Multi Business Ventures. The dispute concerns a failed N819 million supply transaction, which resulted in an alleged shortfall of N150.7 million.
The police became involved after Mr Sajith Mahdu, an Indian national and procurement officer at Nostromo, petitioned the Inspector General of Police, alleging that he had been subjected to various human rights violations by his employer. Among his claims were the unlawful seizure of his international passport and non-payment of a ten-month salary.
Following Mahdu’s petition, the Force Intelligence Department commenced investigations. This process led to allegations of bribery against the investigating officers. Reports had suggested that officers sought a bribe from Mr Abba on behalf of senior police officials, a claim now found to lack a credible basis.
The police investigation resulted in Mr Abba’s arraignment on Monday, August 4, after which he was remanded in Keffi Prison.
He was later granted bail on Wednesday, August 6. Mr Mahdu is now serving as a prosecution witness in the case.
According to police records, Mr Abba received a total sum of N948,369,300 from Nostromo Trading, but the goods delivered were reportedly worth only N835,797,112.50, leaving a balance of over N150 million unaccounted for. The case remains before the courts.
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