x

Alleged N13bn Corruption: I Was Intimidated, Harassed During Interrogation – Centre DG, Ali Dikwa

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Reverend Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, a prominent Borno-born Kanuri activist and critic of corrupt leadership, has claimed that he was intimidated, harassed, and humiliated by a police investigative officer (IPO) during his interrogation at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.

Rev. Dikwa, Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, was summoned by the Nigeria Police Force on August 29, 2024, following a petition filed by a group of lawyers. The petition accused him of criminal libel and defamation of the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.

The controversy arose after Rev. Dikwa and Pastor Sani Abdullahi held a press conference in Abuja, alleging a N13 billion corruption scandal involving the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali, and Vice President Shettima. The allegations were also reported to President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement shared with our correspondent over the weekend, Rev. Dikwa recounted his ordeal during the interrogation, describing it as strange and suspicious. He claimed that the IPO attempted to coerce him into implicating himself by writing statements favorable to his accusers. He also alleged that his phone was seized multiple times, his photograph was taken, and he was threatened with detention.

Rev. Dikwa stated, “The IPO tried to direct me to write what my petitioners wanted, to implicate myself, but I refused.” He added that the IPO pressured him to call a high-ranking civil servant to bail him out, but when he explained he did not know anyone at that level, the IPO insisted his lawyer could not secure his release.

However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) later intervened, overruling the IPO and allowing Rev. Dikwa to secure a self-bail.

The petition against Rev. Dikwa and Pastor Abdullahi, filed by legal practitioner Barrister Peter A. Aki and representatives from the six states of the North-East region, alleges that their actions could lead to political instability. The petitioners further claimed that the publications were false and aimed at discrediting Vice President Shettima and the NEDC Managing Director.

The petitioners requested a thorough investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and appropriate legal action against Rev. Dikwa and Pastor Abdullahi.

Hot this week

Taiwan elects new pro-Mainland China leader of KMT party

By Daybreak NigeriaNewly elected opposition Kuomintang (KMT)...

Mahmoud Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Cancer Burden

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuFCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya...

Dogara Mourns Rev. Uma Ukpai, Calls Him Spiritual Colossus and Faith General

The Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company...

MRA Condemns INEC’s N1.5bn Fee for Voters Register Under FOI Act

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...

Dogara Hails Tinubu’s Agenda, Urges Youth Action**

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon....

Dogara Mourns Rev. Uma Ukpai, Calls Him Spiritual Colossus and Faith General

The Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company...

WAFCON Qualifier: Oshoala, Omewa, Seven Others Hit Super Falcons Camp

Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, have...

Police Disperse #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow Protesters After Regrouping in Abuja

Police operatives on Monday dispersed demonstrators demanding the release...

#FreeNnamdiKanu: Protest Traps Abuja Residents, Close Businesses, and Offices

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuAs the # FreeNnamdiKanu protesters tropped...

China’s Economy Grows 5.2% in First Three Quarters of 2025, Says NBS

China’s economy maintained its growth momentum in the face...

China Commends Nigeria for Joint ONSA/DSS/Army Rescue of Four Kidnapped Chinese Citizens

▪︎ Secret Police stabilises rescued kidnapees at own medical...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img