IGP Monitoring Unit Accused of Bribery to Derail Ongoing Criminal Trial in Delta State

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit in Abuja has been accused of receiving bribes amounting to tens of millions of naira in an alleged attempt to halt the ongoing criminal trial of four suspects charged with illegal possession of firearms and assaulting law enforcement officers in Delta State.

According to Nigeria News 247, the case stems from a violent incident in December 2024, when a group of armed men, led by Linus Osemene and accompanied by Japhet Biose, Emmanuel Brasca Ifeadi, and Chijioke Agafiene, allegedly attacked court officials and police officers from Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin City. The officials were reportedly on duty and acting under the authority of the IGP and local leaders in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State.

The attack left several officials injured and prompted an immediate investigation authorized by the IGP. The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in Zone 5 oversaw the probe, which resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms believed to have been used during the assault.

The suspects were subsequently arraigned in January 2025 before the Federal High Court in Asaba and are currently facing a nine-count charge.

Charges Filed Against the Suspects

In a charge sheet marked FHC/ASB/1C/2025, obtained by Nigeria News 247, the four accused—Linus Osemene (59), Japhet Boise (48), Chijioke Agafiene (44), and Emmanuel Brasca Ifeadi (68)—were charged with offences including unlawful possession of firearms, armed assault, and robbery.

Some of the charges include:

• Conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms under Section 516 of the Criminal Code.

• Illegal possession of a variety of weapons (including shotguns and live cartridges), punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act.

• Violent attacks with firearms, causing injuries and fear, in violation of Section 80 of the Criminal Code.

• Armed robbery, involving the theft of mobile phones belonging to victims during the attack, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code.

Allegations Against the IGP Monitoring Unit

Despite the suspects being formally charged and the matter actively before the court, officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit—led by SP Mojirade Obisiji—allegedly attempted to halt the prosecution. Sources claim that the Monitoring Unit retrieved the original case file from Zone 5 in violation of Force Signal No. CB:4001/IGP.SEC./ABJ/VOL.121/48, which bars any police unit from taking over a case already being handled by another formation or under active prosecution.

An officer attached to Zone 5, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the suspects submitted a petition to the Monitoring Unit in an effort to derail the trial. However, the petition reportedly failed to disclose that the suspects were already facing charges in court after a completed investigation approved by the IGP himself.

“When Zone 5 challenged the takeover, the Monitoring Unit changed its position, claiming it was only investigating the suspects’ alibis,” the officer said. “Meanwhile, witnesses have reported repeated threats and intimidation from the suspects, some of whom allegedly bragged about paying ₦30 million to shut down the case through the Monitoring Unit.”

The officer further alleged that the IGP is likely unaware of the internal sabotage and interference being orchestrated by his own Monitoring Unit.

Community Outrage and Calls for Justice

Outrage has spread across Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Okiti communities, where residents and local leaders have accused the IGP Monitoring Unit of corruption and abuse of power. Community members pointed to earlier boasts by the suspects about using money to influence the outcome of the case.

Local chiefs and concerned citizens have called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately intervene and rein in SP Mojirade Obisiji, whom they accuse of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

“This is not just about one case—it’s about whether the Nigerian justice system can protect victims and punish offenders, especially when court officials and police officers are attacked in the line of duty,” one community leader told Nigeria News 247. “We have informed the Presidency and the Attorney General of the Federation. We are urging the Attorney General to take over this prosecution to ensure due process is followed.”

He warned that allowing the case to be derailed could set a dangerous precedent and further erode public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“This assault on due process must not be allowed to succeed,” the leader said. “Justice must be done and must be seen to be done—not undermined by corrupt elements within the police hierarchy.”