Police Investigate FIJ Board Chairperson For Alleged Cybercrime Activity

The chairman of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Board of Trustees, Bukky Shonibare, has been summoned to Abuja by the Nigeria Police Force to address inquiries regarding “cybercrime.” The foundation disclosed this information via its social media handle on Tuesday, suggesting a potential connection to its recent investigative focus on smuggling activities and the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to FIJ, the invitation from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC) was dated Thursday, March 21, but was only received via email on Saturday, March 23. The letter stated the necessity for clarifications from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Social Justice as part of an ongoing police investigation, emphasizing the principle of fair hearing.

SP Ann Elunor from the NPF-NCC subsequently reached out to Shonibare via WhatsApp to follow up on the letter, indicating the seriousness of the matter. Shonibare has been instructed to appear at the NPF-NCC’s office in Abuja.

FIJ believes that the summons may be linked to its recent investigative series spanning five weeks, which delved into smuggling activities and alleged collusion with officials from the Nigeria Customs Service. Titled “Undercover as a Smuggler,” the investigation exposed various aspects of the smuggling trade, including the complicity of some Nigeria Customs Service officials who allegedly accept bribes from smugglers and disclose patrol team movements to aid smuggling operations.

Additionally, the investigation shed light on the alleged involvement of Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, reputed as one of the southwest’s most prominent smugglers, and his purported connections to high-ranking government officials in facilitating cross-border movements of illicit goods, arms, and ammunition.

The summons from the Nigeria Police Force marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, raising questions about the potential implications for FIJ and its journalistic pursuits.

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