The Nigerian Police Force has dismissed DSP Peter Ejike, a legal officer attached to Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, for his involvement in fraudulent activities. Ejike was implicated in a scheme with Prophet Ebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach to falsely prosecute blogger and content creator Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, also known as “Ijele Speaks.”
In December 2024, Ejike and three other officers—Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode—were suspended after being accused of tampering with evidence, corrupt practices, and abuse of office. These allegations stemmed from their unauthorized arrest of Andrew Ejah, a cargo worker, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in August 2023.
The officers were found guilty of unlawfully seizing ₦74,950,000 from Ejah and misrepresenting the recovered amount as ₦31,790,000, pocketing ₦43,160,000. The Nigerian Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Ogunjobi, confirmed that the officers acted without authorization and used deceitful tactics to cover their actions, including fabricating evidence and spreading misinformation.
Ejike’s dismissal also relates to his role in the detention of Ijele Speaks, a blogger who accused Prophet Ebuka Obi of staging fake miracles. The police arrested and detained Ofoegbu after Obi filed a petition alleging criminal intimidation, cyberstalking, and threats. Human rights advocate Prince Okechukwu Emezu described the detention as a vendetta and highlighted the deteriorating health of Ofoegbu, who was reportedly poisoned while in custody, leading to kidney failure.
Emezu criticized Ejike’s involvement, stating that the blogger’s health crisis was exacerbated by the authorities’ refusal to release him despite meeting bail conditions.
Efforts to confirm Ejike’s dismissal from Ikechukwu Ani, spokesperson for the Police Service Commission (PSC), were inconclusive as of Saturday. However, Ani explained that the PSC handles disciplinary actions for officers ranked inspector and above, delegating cases involving junior officers to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, has not responded to calls or messages seeking comment.
Ejike’s dismissal underscores the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to addressing corruption and unprofessional conduct within its ranks. The case also highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect citizens from abuses of power by law enforcement officers.
Further updates are expected as investigations into related including the health and legal situation of Ijele Speaks, continue.
