BY TIJANNI ABDUL SALAM
Since the inception of the Tinubu administration, there have been increasing concerns about the targeting of northern traders.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its actions against bureau de change operators, primarily from the North, and recently against gold dealers in Wuse Market.
Two workers reportedly stole gold valued at seven hundred million naira from the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) residence and sold it to a gold dealer in Wuse Market.
The gold belonged to the Principal Staff Officer Three (PSO 3) to the IGP, who is also the IGP’s in-law. The primary buyer has disappeared, leaving the police to arrest and detain over thirty traders, many of whom had only conducted past POS transactions with the main suspect.
These traders have been detained for twenty-four days without being charged in court.
A recent police press statement claims a successful bust of gold robbers, but the facts suggest otherwise. Instead of addressing the theft involving their own staff, the police have seemingly focused on detaining innocent traders.
The National Security Adviser must intervene, as this situation risks tarnishing the Tinubu administration’s reputation.
“Where did the PSO 3 to the IG get the money to buy gold? How much is her salary? Is she fronting for her sister, the wife of the IGP?” These are critical questions that need answers.
The IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) withdrew significant sums—ranging from 13 to 25 million naira, including another 11 million—from the detained suspects’ accounts. Did they obtain a court order for these withdrawals? It’s been nearly twenty-four days since the suspects were detained. Why did the police take so long to issue a press statement? Was it a response to pressure from a strong radio station?
Nigerians have been reminded once again of how the police may fabricate stories to prosecute innocent people. President Tinubu must set aside his relationship with IGP Egbetokun and order a thorough probe into this matter, as he is a president for all.
Moreover, cooking gas imported from Niger and intercepted in Kano by EFCC operatives remains held despite appeals by prominent northerners.
An agreed plea bargain was ignored after suspects withdrew a case at the Federal High Court in Kano on the enforcement of fundamental human rights.
Nigerians, particularly those from the North, await responses from the President, the National Security Adviser, and the Minister of Police Affairs.
