The Police has described as untrue the allegation that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun was meddling in the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2024 elections.
FCT Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement issued Friday said on November 25, 2024, a formal petition was submitted to the FCT Commissioner of Police by three individuals: Mr. Emeka Nze, Mr. Victorson Agbenson, and Mr. Johnchuks Onuanyim.
She said the petition accused Ms. Grace Ike, Ms. Sandra Ogechukwu, Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo, and Mr. Jide Oyekunle of forging Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) certificates purportedly issued by the International Institute of Journalism Abuja.
Adeh explained that the petition highlighted specific discrepancies in the certificates presented by the accused individuals.
She noted: “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command wishes to address allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the Inspector General of Police is meddling in the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT 2024 elections.
“These claims are false, and the Command is issuing this clarification to set the record straight.
“The Command stresses that its involvement is strictly limited to investigating the allegations of forgery received via the written petition and has nothing to do with the NUJ elections in the FCT.
“As part of the investigation, the Command invited the individuals named in the petition for questioning to verify the allegations.”
Adeh stressed that this action was in line with its duty to uphold the rule of law, maintain order, and safeguard democratic processes.
“Nigerian Police have no interest in or influence over the NUJ elections or their outcomes. Our responsibility is to ensure justice by thoroughly examining the claims based on the facts and evidence provided,” she added.
Adeh, therefore, urged all parties involved to respect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and refrain from spreading baseless accusations that could erode public trust.
She said in due time, the outcome of the investigation would be made known to enhance transparency.
