By Mike Odeh James
Abuja — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force, has withdrawn what civil society actors described as “frivolous charges” against the Chairman of EFAB Properties, ordering a reinvestigation into the underlying allegations.
The decision has been welcomed by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), which said the move signals “a necessary correction” in a case they allege was riddled with procedural inconsistencies and possible abuse of process.
Reinvestigation Ordered
According to sources familiar with the development, the IGP directed that the matter be reopened for a comprehensive and impartial review. The order effectively halts ongoing prosecutorial steps tied to the earlier charges, pending the outcome of the reinvestigation.
The CSOs argued that the case had taken a troubling turn, alleging that “a serial land grabber was turned into a victim, while the actual victim was framed as the accused.”
The CSOs representative, Professor Barika Dominic Saro Laka of The Mighty One Empowerment Foundation, accused Special Tactical Squad (STS), of alleged “Trumped-Up Charges” allegedly as they are working for the impostor who has already been charged on the same offences by the Police and the EFCC.
The groups also raised serious concerns about the role of the STS, accusing it of filing charges without proper due diligence.
“You cannot sacrifice justice on the altar of speed,” one of the organisations said in a joint statement, questioning how two government agencies could simultaneously investigate and prosecute the same matter.
They further alleged that the STS obtained a Direct Criminal Investigation order to arraign one Mr. Nworah without adequately examining the facts of the case, describing the move as “premature and disingenuous.”
In a strongly worded remark, the coalition likened the STS to a “new, discredited enforcement culture,” warning that such practices could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Media Cautioned Against Unverified Reports
The CSOs also issued a warning to media organisations, urging them to avoid publishing unverified claims.
“An accused person cannot deploy media propaganda to silence criminal allegations,” the statement read, adding that responsible journalism remains critical to safeguarding justice.
“Triumph of Truth Over Manipulation”
Describing the withdrawal of charges as “the triumph of truth over manipulation,” the groups spokesperson, Pastor Oka, reiterated their confidence that due process would ultimately prevail.
“We can never arrive at justice through the route of injustice,” they stated, emphasizing the need for institutional accountability.
They expressed hope that all individuals found culpable after the reinvestigation would be held accountable “for the sake of justice and the integrity of the system, “adding that the IGP has set a new standard for police accountability”
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