The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied any interest or interference in the upcoming elections of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter.
The police said the claims were false and that the command was issuing the clarification to set the record straight.
The police, in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said it is only investigating allegations of forgery against some persons after receiving petitions from some members of the NUJ.
Part of the statement reads, “On November 25, 2024, a formal petition was 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 further noted 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.
“We urge 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.
The Nigerian Police Force, under the leadership of the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, remains a professional and impartial institution committed to its responsibilities.”
(Leadership)
