Allegations of bribery levelled against officers of the Nigerian Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been dismissed due to lack of evidence. The allegations, which were widely reported in the media, particularly by Sahara Reporters, claimed that Deputy Inspector General Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo and other officers demanded a N750,000 bribe from a vendor in a disputed commercial transaction.
The case involves a business dispute between Nostromo Trading Nigeria Ltd, an import and export firm, and its vendor, Mr Aliyu Abba, CEO of Multi Business Ventures. The dispute centres on a failed N819 million supply transaction, resulting in an alleged shortfall of N150.7 million.
The police investigation, which was prompted by a petition from Mr Sajith Mahdu, an Indian national and procurement officer at Nostromo, found no credible basis for the bribery allegations. Mahdu had alleged human rights violations by his employer, including unlawful seizure of his international passport and non-payment of salary.
The investigation led to the arraignment of Mr Abba on August 4, and he was remanded in Keffi Prison before being granted bail on August 6. Mahdu is now serving as a prosecution witness in the case.
According to police records, Mr Abba received 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 is currently before the courts.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
