About the same time that IGP Kayode Egbetokun was tendering his letter of resignation to President Bola Tinubu, the Force Headquarters is explaining how N100 million was mistakenly paid into the bank account of Victor, the son of outgoing Inspector-General of Police.
With online report alleging that the funds originated from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Benjamin Hundeyin said the transaction was promptly reversed after the outgoing IGP’s son noticed and reported it.
He emphasised that the transaction was a banking error that had nothing to do with Victor or his father, and the money was immediately returned to the state government’s account from which it originated.
Hundeyin, who made the clarification on Channels Television programme ‘Politics Today’, said Victor not only did the right thing by reporting the transaction but also got the account closed to avoid more mistakes.
“You could remember when he (Omoyele Sowore) said N100 million was paid into the account of the son of the IGP. I called the son of the IGP immediately to know what was going on, and he explained.
“He said he saw N100 million in his account, and he told his accounts officer to reverse the money immediately, which he did.
“He printed out his statement of account. He showed me. The young man was forced to close down that account. He has written a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for that allegation to be investigated,” the police spokesman stated.
In the main, President Tinubu received Egbetokun’s resignation on Tuesday and expressed profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the country.
The President, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “commended the outgoing police chief for his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture during his tenure.”
Appointed in June 2023 for a statutory four-year term scheduled to end in June 2027 under the amended provisions of the Police Act, Egbetokun led several reform-driven initiatives aimed at repositioning the Force to confront evolving security threats.
The statement added that Tinubu has approved the immediate appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police AIG Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police in view of the current security challenges confronting the country.
Onanuga stated that the President is confident AIG Disu’s operational experience, strategic depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force at this critical period.
In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
“President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening national security, deepening institutional reforms, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said.
