Police, You Lied! -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Mr. President Regarding Abuja Sisters’ Freedom: The Nigeria Police Lied Again – What Should Happen Now?

The uncles of the Al-Kadriyar girls, Abbas and Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyar: Revealed that they paid a ransom for the release of the girls. Abbas Al-Kadriyar emphasized, “We paid a ransom for the release of our girls. A ransom was paid, and the police were not involved.”

In the heart-wrenching tale of the Al-Kadriyar sisters’ abduction in Abuja, the glaring truth has emerged—yet again, the Nigeria Police Force has woven a web of lies. The uncles of the Al-Kadriyar girls, Abbas and Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyar, have come forward to reveal a grim reality: they paid a ransom for the release of the girls. Abbas Al-Kadriyar emphasized, “We paid a ransom for the release of our girls. A ransom was paid, and the police were not involved.”

The ordeal began when Nabeeha and her sisters were abducted alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, on January 3rd. Their ordeal took a tragic turn when Nabeeha, a promising 400-level student of Biological Science at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, lost her life during their captivity. An uncle was also killed by the kidnappers. Her untimely death cast a dark shadow over the family’s traumatic experience, leaving her sisters devastated and heartbroken.

Contrary to the initial claims of a successful police rescue operation, the stark reality is that a ransom was paid for the sisters’ release, and no police involvement in their rescue transpired. This revelation adds layers of complexity to the emotions experienced by the Al-Kadriyar sisters during their captivity, as they grappled with both their harrowing situation and the false narratives spun by the police surrounding their rescue.

The Al-Kadriyar case is not an isolated incident but rather a painful chapter in a long history of deception within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Past cases have seen victims and their families subjected to harrowing ordeals, including paying ransoms to secure their freedom, only for the police to falsely claim credit for their rescue. This distressing pattern not only erodes public trust in the NPF but also undermines the very foundation of the rule of law in Nigeria.

The consequences of these falsehoods are dire, as they not only deceive the public but also mislead the global community, tarnishing Nigeria’s international reputation. The attempt by the police to present a false narrative in this case has backfired significantly. Instead of gaining credibility or promoting their image, it has led to a loss of trust and credibility in the eyes of the public, both nationally and internationally. The stark contrast between the official police statement and the accounts of the victims and their family members has exposed the deception.

Amidst this startling revelation, one cannot help but ponder the implications of these deeply troubling acts. The urgency for accountability becomes paramount, and the question of whether key figures, including the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, Commissioner of Police Haruna Garba, and Police Spokesperson Josephine Adeh, should continue in their roles remains an open one. Their actions haven’t just eroded public trust in law enforcement; they have also imperiled the safety and well-being of kidnapping related matters now and in the future.

The Al-Kadriyar family’s disclosure has rocked public confidence, turning the narrative of the Al-Kadriyar girls’ rescue in Abuja on its head. Recent revelations have called into question the official accounts provided by the FCT Police Command and the Nigerian Army. This revelation prompts profound concerns about transparency, integrity, and the imperative need for accountability in matters of public safety.

The disconcerting turn of events in this case has reverberated globally, with major news outlets like the BBC and Yahoo disseminating the incident to the world. This regrettable situation has cast a pall of skepticism over the credibility of official reports, both within the nation and beyond its borders.

To contextualize this incident, let’s acknowledge the key individuals directly implicated:

Police Spokesperson (FCT Command): Josephine Adeh
Police Commissioner (FCT Command): Haruna Garba
Inspector General of Police (IGP): Olukayode Egbetokun

In the wake of these developments, a pressing question lingers: should these key figures continue to hold their positions of authority? Their actions haven’t just shaken the foundation of public trust in law enforcement but also exacerbated the trauma endured by the abducted girls and their family. In a country that yearns for justice, accountability, and transparency, one can’t help but wonder if these individuals should, in deep and reflective consideration, tender their own resignations, given the gravity of these deeply disturbing acts.

Here is the blatant and damning lie that unfolded before Nigerians in profound anguish and the scrutinizing eyes of the world:

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of police Josephine Adeh, said in a written official statement: “Following the relentless advancement of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Anti-Kidnapping squad in a concerted effort with troops of the Nigerian Army, on the heels of the kidnappers that struck the Zuma 1 area in the Bwari Area Council on January 2, 2024, the FCT police has rescued the victims and reunited them with their families.

“The operatives successfully rescued the victims around Kajuru forest in Kaduna State at about 11:30 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

“While appreciating the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, for the deployment of the newly commissioned Special Intervention Squad, which has given an uplift to the existing security architecture of the FCT and has brewed public confidence, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Haruna Garba, wishes to reiterate the commands commitment to sustaining the robust security deployment made in the area and other parts of the Territory for the utmost maintenance of peace for all and sundry.”

Na lie! Big lie!

Here are the exact and unaltered words that reveal the truth and reality of the situation:

The uncles of the Al-Kadriyar girls, Abbas and Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyar, revealed that they paid a ransom for the release of the girls. Abbas Al-Kadriyar emphasized, “We paid a ransom for the release of our girls. A ransom was paid, and the police were not involved.”

Abbas Al-Kadriyar, who picked up the girls from the forest, said, ‘We paid a ransom for the release of our girls. A ransom was paid, and the police were not involved. The children called me, and I went to pick them up. On my way, I saw soldiers at the junction, and the bush is a very thick bush along the Gurara Dam, so I had to call the attention of the soldiers to follow me to the spot where we could locate our children.’

“here’s nothing like rescue on this matter, we paid ransom, even though I can’t disclose how much for security reasons. The kidnappers chose the day and the location we were to pick up the girls about four or five days after ransom payment.”

Instances like these are stark reminders of the dire need for transparency, honesty, and responsible leadership when it comes to matters of public safety and security. The Al-Kadriyar family’s courage in revealing the unvarnished truth serves as a beacon, illuminating the dark corners where similar cases may still be concealed, buried under layers of fear and misinformation. This revelation underscores the urgent imperative for our leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, to prioritize the relentless pursuit of truth and unwavering commitment to accuracy in such incidents. It is not just a matter of preserving public trust but also a question of ensuring the safety of our communities.

In their haste to construct a narrative that would potentially earn them favor with the President and catapult their careers, the police command, particularly the Commissioner of Police and the Police Spokesperson, recklessly unleashed a statement claiming full responsibility for the supposed heroic rescue of the abducted Abuja girls. Their motivations were fueled by the desire to curry favor with higher authorities, and they painted a vivid picture of heroism that was egregiously distant from reality.

This orchestrated attempt to portray the police as valiant saviors amidst the harrowing ordeal was meticulously calculated to bolster their career prospects and flaunt their proficiency in handling such cases. However, it is a stark testament to the unyielding dedication of the media and their relentless pursuit of the truth that the family’s harrowing account eventually came to light.

Notably, Nigerian media outlets, particularly Punch News and Vanguard News, played an instrumental role in unmasking the genuine narrative. The Al-Kadriyar family’s audacious decision to break their silence and unveil the unadulterated truth shattered the brittle facade of the police’s purported heroism. The glaring disparity between the official police narrative and the family’s firsthand account left no room for ambiguity concerning the sheer deception that had been perpetrated.

This was a revelation that laid bare the depth of their deception, exposing their carefully constructed sham and audaciously broadcasting their dishonesty for all to see. It was a moment of profound shame for those who were entrusted with upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens. The fallout from this revelation was swift and severe, eroding trust in the very institutions that are sworn to protect and serve the people. Their credibility and integrity tumbled down a precipitous hill, leaving them perched on the precipice of public disdain.

The recurring instances of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) being embroiled in controversies and allegations of dishonesty and misconduct serve as a stark reminder of the need for ethical reform within the institution. Past incidents have consistently highlighted the NPF’s history of being entangled in such shameful situations.

In September 2020, Sahara Reporters revealed a case in Nasarawa State where the police spokesperson initially claimed that no ransom was paid for the release of kidnapped victims. However, it was later exposed that each victim had paid a substantial ransom for their freedom, casting doubt on the accuracy of the police’s statements and their commitment to transparency.

Similarly, in January 2021, a couple abducted along the Akure-Owo expressway in Ondo State denied being rescued by security agencies, contradicting the police’s claims. This incident exemplifies the recurring pattern of the police providing misleading information about rescue operations.

Another incident in January 2021, reported by Vanguard News, involved Mr. and Mrs. Gbenga Ibikunle, abducted in Ondo state, who narrated how their abductors collected a ransom for their release. This revelation challenged the police’s assertion that they were rescued, further eroding trust in official statements.

In August 2019, following the abduction of Ahmadu Bello University students on the Abuja-Kaduna Road, a relative of one of the victims disputed the police’s claims regarding their rescue. This incident highlighted the skepticism surrounding police reports in cases of abduction.

Furthermore, in January 2021, Sahara Reporters documented a case where concerned individuals paid a ransom for the release of a victim despite the police’s denial of any ransom payment. The contradiction between official statements and actions raised serious concerns about the transparency of police operations.

When viewed collectively, these past incidents underscore the ethical concerns regarding the NPF’s credibility and truthfulness in handling abduction and rescue cases. The recurring pattern of misinformation, conflicting narratives, and allegations of ransom payments is a significant cause for ethical concern and demands immediate attention and improvement.

In the face of this profound darkness, there shines a glimmer of hope—a beacon of truth that refuses to be extinguished. The unwavering pursuit of truth by the conscientious media, the indomitable courage of the Al-Kadriyar family in breaking their silence, and the resounding chorus of a nation that will not be duped have torn away the suffocating veil of lies.

This is no ordinary narrative of despair; it is a resounding testament to the unwavering power of transparency and accountability in the face of injustice.

Mr. President, we stand at the precipice of a defining moment. This cannot be another somber chapter cast aside, hidden beneath the carpet of tribal loyalties, social affiliations, political allegiances, and self-preservation. Mr. President, this is profoundly and fundamentally wrong, and we must not avert our gaze. It is incumbent upon these police officers, particularly the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to step forth into the glaring spotlight of our nation and the world. Whether they choose to tender their resignations or exit the stage swiftly, even if their positions are promptly filled, the likes of them who share a similar mindset remain active within the police hierarchy, given the pervasive leadership issues. It is imperative to prevent further distractions, quell the looming specter of shame, and shield the victims and the Nigerian populace from additional anguish. Let us hope that others within the system learn from this dark episode. Let us hold onto the hope that these three officers, though I hold my breath, will make the right choice.

Regardless of their decisions, whether it’s a change of heart or a defensive posture seeking retribution against those who expose their wrongdoings, we must fervently aspire to see accountability meted out to those culpable for these grievous injustices. For this egregious affront is not confined solely to the Al-Kadriyar family, nor is it confined to the borders of Nigeria—it resonates as a discordant note within the symphony of our shared humanity, staining the collective conscience of our global community.

Mr. President, your response to this grievous act of police misconduct, which regrettably is not an isolated incident, will etch a defining mark in Nigeria’s odyssey towards institutional and democratic progress. The destiny of our nation is inexorably linked to the restoration of ethical integrity, the unfaltering commitment to transparency, and the unwavering pursuit of accountability. This is a collective clarion call for justice, echoing through the annals of history, and a solemn pledge to uphold the sacred mantle of truth.

President Tinubu, this moment affords a profound opportunity to safeguard the very integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The watchful eyes of the world are firmly upon us, and the pages of history will eternally chronicle the actions taken in this hallowed juncture. Al-Kadriyar family, as you navigate these treacherous waters, we stand with you, not merely in solidarity but as sentinels of truth and justice. Nigeria shall transcend these turbulent tides, for against all odds, truth and justice shall eternally prevail, and these three officers shall ultimately be judged not only by the annals of history but by the immeasurable scale of cosmic justice and universal truth.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu