Nigerian Police Question ICIR Journalists Over Investigative Report on Former Police Chiefs

On May 28, 2024, the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC) questioned ICIR journalist Nurudeen Akewushola and the nonprofit news agency’s Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan, for over nine hours in Abuja.

ICIR raised concerns over their prolonged detention, as both men were unreachable since noon when they arrived at the cybercrime centre. The organization suggested the police may have had intentions to detain them further.

The questioning stemmed from a February 2024 investigative report by Akewushola, which alleged illegal land sales involving former Nigerian Inspectors General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase and Ibrahim Kpotum Idris. Corpran International Limited, a land developer named in the report, accused Akewushola of attempting to solicit a bribe—an allegation he denies. Meanwhile, Arase demanded a retraction and compensation of one billion naira ($714,647 USD) and filed a civil defamation suit.

The journalists were released with conditions, including Akewushola providing surety, and they are expected to return for further questioning on June 11.