Juliana Francis
The Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, has denied allegations levelled against Deputy-Inspector-General of Police, (DIG), Mr. Frank Mba, by a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, accusing him of using his position to influence a civil case to favour his ‘brother,’ identified as Hilary Mba, to the detriment of his client, Mr. Langwa Brezhnev.
According to Adejobi, the accusations of Effiong are laced with lies and malicious intent.
Adejobi further urged the lawyer to, “direct his efforts to the court of law where the case is already being heard, rather than maliciously using the media to defame the hard-earned professional reputation of Senior Police officers and obstructing the course of Justice.”
The spokesman stressed that DIG Frank Mba is not related to the said Hilary Mba, who is involved in a business profit-sharing dispute with his business partner, Brezhnev, who is a Cameroonian.
The Force spokesman said that the ongoing investigations of Brezhnev by the Force Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Lagos Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi-Lagos, was in line with Police Investigative Procedure.
He also explained that the affirmation from his table is on the heels of a press statement issued by Effiong, who is the lead Counsel to Brezhnev, alleging illegal arrest and unlawful detention of the suspect.
Adejobi further stated: “To set the record straight, the Force CID, Lagos Annex, in May 2023, received a petition titled, “Complaint Against Mr. Langwa Brezhnev Over The Obtainment Of Goods By False Pretence And Fraud In Respect Of Sale Of Fertilizer” from Siri Legal Consulting, solicitors to Emb Trade Logistics Nig Ltd.
“The suspect, who has been off the radar, following the fraudulent transactions as alleged, was arrested in Uyo and brought to Lagos to enable him answer to the allegations against him. Investigations so far by the Police team have, however, clearly established a prima facie case against the suspect.
“Meanwhile, the report from the Force CID Annex shows that the suspect is currently on remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre following a Remand Order issued by Igbosere Magistrate Court 21, Lagos.
“It is also noted that the same court had earlier granted a Remand Order committing the suspect to Police custody to avail the Police with additional time for a discrete investigation into the matter.
“Similarly, the claim by Barrister Inibehe that DIG Frank Mba is a brother to the nominal complainant, one Hilary Emeka Mba, which is the basis for his allegation of undue influence against the senior officer, is false and unfounded. The fact remains that Hilary Emeka Mba is not in any way connected or related to DIG Frank Emeka Mba. They have no filial relationship whatsoever. The ‘resemblance’ in the name is purely a coincidence.
“Without mincing words, the allegation against DIG Frank Mba, who was not even the AIG in charge of FCID Annex Alagbon when the suspect was arrested, is just a psychological projection and a campaign of calumny.
“The Force, therefore, enjoins members of the public to disregard the claim of illegal arrest and unlawful detention of Mr. Brezhnev by the Police, as well as the allegation of undue influence by DIG Frank Mba or any officer of the Police as untrue and unfounded.
“The Force equally wishes to advise Barrister Inibehe to direct his efforts to the court of law where the case is already being heard, rather than maliciously using the media to defame the hard-earned professional reputation of Senior Police officers and obstructing the course of Justice.”
