By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chief Executive Director of Lenders Consult International Limited, Dr. Shina Philips, has dismissed allegations of diverting funds meant for the Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, describing the claims as false and unfounded.
The company was reacting to a report published on March 3, 2026, by an online platform which alleged that funds earmarked for the conference had been misappropriated.
In a statement, Lenders Consult faulted the report for lacking balance, noting that its side of the story was not sought before publication.
The firm maintained that it has built a credible reputation as organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, regarded as the country’s longest-running football awards programme.
It explained that its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force began with a proposal to organise an annual conference and retreat aimed at strengthening capacity among senior officers.
According to the company, the retreat convenes officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above to engage in peer review and exchange ideas on security and policing challenges.
Lenders Consult stated that the initiative, approved in 2019, was designed to be privately funded through sponsorships sourced by the company.
“We approached the police authorities with a proposal to organise an annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers. This arrangement was well-received and has been in place since 2019,” the statement said.
The maiden edition of the conference was held in 2019 with the Lagos State Government as host sponsor. It was declared open by former President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Subsequent editions were held in Uyo in 2022, Owerri between 2022 and 2024, and Abeokuta in 2025.
The company firmly denied ever receiving funds from the police for any event.
“At no time have we received any money from the Nigeria Police for the sponsorship of the conference,” it stated, adding that it has continued to sustain the initiative even when sponsorship funds fell short.
It also refuted allegations of sharing funds with current or former police leadership, including former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Lenders Consult further highlighted the impact of the conference, noting that it contributed to reforms within the force, including the establishment of the Police Institute in Abuja.
The firm disclosed that it later introduced the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations to recognise outstanding officers, with two editions held in 2024 and 2025 in Abuja, fully funded by the company and its partners.
The statement added that Philips, a FIFA-licensed football agent, has maintained a longstanding relationship with senior police officers and was appointed a consultant to the force in 2020 to coordinate Police Week activities, which were later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It stressed that since his appointment, Philips has continued to support police initiatives without remuneration, including undertaking some official trips at his own expense.
Reaffirming its position, the company described itself as a responsible corporate organisation committed to supporting the Nigeria Police and enhancing professionalism within the force.
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