The families of several Zone 7 police officers, allegedly targeted for dismissal by the Nigeria Police Force, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene in the matter.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Anobi Anene, a relative of one of the affected officers, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) [name withheld], decried what he described as wrongful and unjust treatment.
He explained that the DSP did not participate in the controversial operation that allegedly seized ₦32 million (though some reports state ₦72 million) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to Anene, the DSP was later instructed by the then Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 7, Adebowale [surname withheld], to join the investigation as the legal officer.
Despite this, he was subjected to an orderly room trial, a disciplinary process typically reserved for non-commissioned officers, which Anene argued violated his rights.
“The DSP was detained for over two months in multiple police cells and subjected to harsh treatment simply because they uncovered an illegal currency trading cartel transporting new naira notes from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Lagos—a clear economic crime,” Anene stated.
Anene further alleged that dismissal letters have already been sent to the Force Headquarters by the Police Service Commission, prompting the families to urgently seek presidential intervention.
“This is not the time to dismiss well-trained officers, especially when the nation is grappling with armed banditry and other forms of insecurity,” he added.
The families also accused influential individuals of meddling in the investigation to protect their involvement in the illegal currency trade.
They called for a thorough reinvestigation of the case, citing the need for justice and fairness.
In an emotional appeal, it was revealed that a female officer implicated in the case lost her marriage after being handcuffed in front of her husband and neighbors, leaving her devastated.
Efforts by prominent figures, including the immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, to resolve the matter have reportedly yielded no results.
The families urged President Tinubu to ensure justice is served and to prevent the dismissal of officers they believe are being punished for uncovering economic crimes.
