The narrative linking the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to an alleged $2.5 million fraud, has drawn reaction from Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA).
The latter in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, faulted the claim describing it as baseless, false and malicious.
The alliance warned that routine official engagements and photo opportunities at the office of the IGP should not be misrepresented or twisted into insinuations of personal relationships or criminal complicity.
IYA also rejected claims of an internal crisis at the Force Headquarters, insisting that there is no turmoil within the Nigeria Police Force. It dismissed reports of an “emergency digital clean-up,” stressing that the Police already operate a functional and professional social media unit and do not outsource such responsibilities.
Clarifying reports that the IGP abruptly cut short an official trip to Lagos, the group said Egbetokun completed his engagements as scheduled before returning to Abuja. It also denied claims of emergency meetings involving information technology officials, noting that ICT matters are handled through established command and administrative structures.
The alliance further debunked allegations of unlawful surveillance of officers’ private communications, stating that any form of monitoring carried out by the Police is lawful and strictly tied to legitimate investigations.
Challenging the publishers of the report to present verifiable evidence, IYA said there was no proof of any financial transaction linking the IGP to the alleged fraud. It added that Egbetokun has neither a personal nor professional relationship with the individual named in the report.
On rumours of forced retirements and internal disarray, the group emphasised that only the Police Service Commission has the constitutional authority to retire senior officers, stressing that no such exercise is currently being contemplated.
Describing the publication as false and misleading, the Integrity Youth Alliance urged the public to disregard the report and called on media organisations to uphold responsible journalism anchored on facts, balance and credible evidence.
