Shocking Scandal Uncovered
A high-ranking Nigerian police officer, Victor Okeshola, attached to the National Cybercrime Centre (NCC), has been implicated in aiding the escape of an international fraud suspect, Precious Chiradza, a Zimbabwean national accused of defrauding Nigerians of over N1 billion through a fake company, QZ Assets Management.
Chiradza and her associates from South Africa are facing seven counts of criminal charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja. However, despite being the investigating officer in the case, Okeshola allegedly smuggled Chiradza out of Nigeria after receiving millions of naira in bribes.
Adeyanju Seeks Visa Ban on Police PRO Adejobi
Fraud Allegations and Court Charges
Chiradza and her accomplices, including Gugu Manana, Sicelokuhle Nyathi, and Samuel Atebefia, were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following a petition by Uchechi Mercy Chinagorom and Onyia Ogochukwu, who claimed they were defrauded of over N1 billion.
Investigations by SaharaReporters reveal that Okeshola orchestrated a fraudulent bail process for Chiradza using fake sureties, enabling her release from custody under questionable circumstances.
Some of the charges before the court include:
- Conspiring to commit fraud via a fake investment scheme (QZ Asset Management) between 2022 and 2023.
- Obtaining $300,000 from a complainant under false pretenses.
- Defrauding another individual of $44,000 through deceptive investment practices.
- Accumulating a total of over N1 billion from multiple victims under false pretenses.
These offenses violate Section 8 and Section 1 (1) (c) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
Investigation Turned to Love Affair
Shocking details have emerged that Okeshola and Chiradza developed a romantic relationship during the investigation. She reportedly paid thousands of dollars to senior police officers involved in the case to ensure a favorable outcome.
While in custody at NCC headquarters, Chiradza allegedly feigned illness, prompting Okeshola to escort her to a hotel instead of a hospital, where they spent nights together. She later became pregnant with his child while seeking a divorce from her Nigerian husband based in South Africa.
Further reports indicate that Chiradza bribed NCC officials with $1 million, including an N5 million payment to ICT operators to delete incriminating evidence from her records.
Police Complicity and Case Withdrawal Attempts
A petition obtained by SaharaReporters, dated December 3, 2024, details how Okeshola and police prosecutors tried to withdraw the charges against Chiradza and her accomplices.
Key revelations from the petition include:
- Okeshola personally facilitated Chiradza’s illegal travel to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dubai, and other destinations.
- He was seen in romantic outings with Chiradza, publicly professing his love.
- The police prosecution applied to withdraw the charges, but Justice James Kolawole Omotosho rejected the request, demanding the presence of the suspects and sureties in court.
- In desperation, Okeshola allegedly paid N50 million to officials in the Ministry of Justice to take over and dismiss the case.
Silence from Authorities
Attempts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for comments were unsuccessful. Okeshola himself declined to speak over the phone, stating, “You wouldn’t expect me to respond to such claims over the phone. The matter is in court.”
Meanwhile, whistleblowers within the police force claim that high-ranking officials are suppressing the investigation to protect those involved.
Conclusion
The compromise of law enforcement in such a high-profile fraud case raises concerns about police integrity and accountability in Nigeria. With evidence mounting against Okeshola, the Nigerian public awaits action from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the judiciary to ensure justice prevails.
PLAC Condemns Nigerian Police for Cybercrimes Act Abuse
