By Akudoro Gloria
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced an investigation into the allegation that some journalists presented a forged certificate purported to have been issued by International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), for the proposes of vying for the forth coming Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT election, slated for December 4, 2024.
The police, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, FCT,, is coming on the heels of the news circulating in the social media, that the Inspector General of Police is meddling in the upcoming NUJ FCT election .
The statement explained that police probe of some journalists amanated from a formal petition submitted on November 25, 2024, to the FCT Commissioner of Police by submitted to the FCT Commissioner of Police by ” three individuals: Mr. Emeka Nze, Mr. Victorson Agbenson, and Mr. Johnchuks Onuanyim. The petition accused Miss Grace Ike, Miss Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu, Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo, and Mr. Jide Oyekunle Adeyemi of forging Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) certificates purportedly issued by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja.
“This petition highlighted specific discrepancies in the certificates presented by the accused individuals. The Command stresses that its involvement is strictly limited to investigating the allegations of forgery received via the written petition and has nothing to do with the NUJ elections in the FCT.
“As part of the investigation, the Command invited the individuals named in the petition for questioning to verify the allegations. This action is in line with its duty to uphold the rule of law, maintain order, and safeguard democratic processes.”
The statement categorically said that the “Nigerian Police have no interest in or influence over the NUJ elections or their outcomes. Our responsibility is to ensure justice by thoroughly examining the claims based on the facts and evidence provided.”
It urged urged all parties involved to ” respect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and refrain from spreading baseless accusations that could erode public trust. In due time, the outcome of the investigation will be made known to enhance transparency.”
It further added that “Nigerian Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, remains a professional and impartial institution committed to its responsibilities.”
