Mariam Sanni
A Civil Society Group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called for immediate suspension of the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), Kayode Egbetokun over his association and connection with a suspect, Bilikisu Ishaku Rebecca who facing multiple criminal charges of forgery, fraud before a federal high court Abuja.
The group described the unholy alliance as a gross abuse of privilege and office and a mockery of the criminal justice system just as it warned that such actions could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The group stated this in a statement signed by its Coordinator Comrade Gerald Katchy on Monday in Abuja while reacting to over eight (8) sponsored colour full-page newspaper advertorials published in various national dailies to felicitate with the Inspector General of Police on his 61st birthday anniversary by Bilikisu.
The statement read “INAHURAT’s strong reaction comes after it was revealed that a criminal suspect, Bilikisu Ishaku Rebecca, who is currently being prosecuted for serious offenses by both the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sponsored numerous full-page newspaper advertorials in different national dailies to felicitate with the Inspector General of Police. The group noted with dismay that neither the IGP nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official reaction to this development as of press time.
“We find it disturbing that while the Nigerian state is prosecuting an individual for serious allegations of forgery, the same individual is accorded the audacity to publicly felicitate with the head of the police institution in such a grandiose manner. This irresponsible behaviour by the suspect and inappropriate response from the Police undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system.
“The same suspect, Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (A.K.A Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), was arraigned by the Police before Justice Sadiya Mayana at the Federal High Court in January 2025 and again by the (EFCC) on June 18, 2025, before Justice J.O Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court, both in Abuja. Her husband Ishaku Isaac Yusuf and company Homadil Nigeria Limited all face charges bordering on the alleged forgery of title documents and Power of Attorney, and fraudulent sales of landed properties located at Guzape and Katampe, Abuja running into billions of Naira.
“There is a clear pattern of official police protection for this high profile criminal suspect. Despite charging her with “cosmetic and make-believe offences” bordering on criminal charges for forgery, fraud, and illegal occupation of properties, the Inspector General of Police has allegedly behind shielded Rebecca Omokamo by providing her with VIP police protection of fully armed policemen with gun trucks.
“This glaring contradiction by the IGP suggests a deliberate effort to compromise her prosecution while apparently abusing the Constitutional Powers of his exalted office.
“It may be recalled that on numerous occasions this year we have been forced to call out the IGP and Nigeria Police particularly the immediate past FCT Police Commissioner for actively interfering with and sabotaging the EFCC’s efforts in arresting and prosecuting those behind the fraudulent sale of several landed properties worth Billions of Naira, including those belonging to a 79-year-old widow, Hajia Collen Mero Yesufu.”
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the IGP to allow for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his relationship with a criminal suspect and the alleged provision of armed protection.
The same suspect, Bilikisu was awarded a ‘Police Contract’ to the tune of N507million for the renovation of the IGP’s guest house in Maitama by the IGP which the payments were made on the same day, December 7, 2023, in two tranches.
The group also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately issue an official reaction condemning the suspect’s most irresponsible actions and clarifying the circumstances of her association or business dealings with the IGP to safeguard the integrity of our Nigeria Police.
“Unfettered Prosecution of Criminal Suspects: The Nigerian Police Force must immediately cease all interference in the prosecution of Bilikisu Ishaku Rebecca and allow the EFCC and the judiciary to carry out their duties without obstruction.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately issue an official reaction condemning the suspect’s most irresponsible actions and clarifying the circumstances of her association or business dealings with the IGP to safeguard the integrity of our Nigeria Police.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Police is clearly at a major cross roads with challenges of its legitimacy due to a controversial tenure elongation for a leader that even the President and Commander in Chief now admits is no longer capable of delivering on its constitutional mandate with the President now joining the clamour for stronger considerations to the idea of State and Regional Police as a more sustainable solution to the insecurity challenges in the country.
“The actions of the nation’s highest-ranking police officer must be beyond reproach. This is a critical moment for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice and its fight against corruption, by holding its officials accountable and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld for all citizens,” The group added.
