The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday officially confirmed the arrest and detention of a Nigerian woman named Peace Ekom Robert, citing her involvement in fraudulent activities as the reason. The announcement came from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who also mentioned that she would face legal charges once the police conclude their investigations.
Earlier,the Nigerian Police had conducted a raid on her residence, causing distress to her relatives and close friends while maintaining a visible presence around her home.
In her own words, she expressed her grievances, stating, “They have been calling my family members since this morning. They are harassing my friends and the people that I am close to. They surround everywhere. They want to pick me up. And this is because they want to silence me.”
It’s worth noting that on August 19, 2023, Robert filed a lawsuit against the Acting Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the Police Service Commission, three police officers, and one Ifenyinwa Anthonia Olua (Ugo) in the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo. She is seeking damages totaling N520 million for the alleged violation of her fundamental and constitutional rights.
Furthermore, Ekom has alleged that CP Ibrahim Baba Zango, the Commissioner of Police, Admin Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Abuja, has made attempts on her life by sending police personnel to kidnap and harm her, despite an ongoing court case against him and the police authorities.
Ekom has been clear in her stance that she did not resist the officers of the NPF during their investigation into the offshore transaction initiated by Ifeyinwa Anthonia Olua and her associates.
In the latest statement released on Saturday, the police spokesperson, Adejobi, clarified, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation involving Ms. Peace Ekom Robert, who is suspected of engaging in serial fraudulent activities, which have affected numerous individuals, including the petitioner. Despite multiple requests for her cooperation and the presence of substantial evidentiary material, Ms. Robert consistently declined to engage with the Police and was subsequently declared a person of interest.”
“It is essential to correct any misconceptions regarding allegations of police misconduct. The assertion that the police surrounded and threatened Ms. Robert’s life is categorically false. Police Operatives acted upon credible intelligence on her whereabouts received from a concerned member of the public, enabling them to locate and apprehend Ms. Robert.
“At present, Ms. Robert is in custody, and the investigative process will continue with the utmost diligence and impartiality. Ms. Robert will be allowed to present her perspective during the course of this investigation, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of her involvement or lack thereof in the alleged fraudulent activities. Meanwhile, we urge members of the public who have been defrauded or have any pending case with the suspect to show up and relate with the police operatives investigating her alleged serial fraud, impersonation, and cyberstalking cases, at the Police Special Fraud Unit, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for diligent disposition of the case accordingly.
“Upon conclusion of Police investigations into more available credible evidence, Ms Peace will be charged to court.”