Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP)
The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has petitioned Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), over the alleged victimisation of Mubarak Bello, a whistleblower, in the Katsina state police command.
The police command in Katsina arrested Bello for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and impersonation as an officer with the force.
In a statement, Abubakar Aliyu, Katsina police spokesperson, said Bello was arrested when operatives noticed suspicious movements during their patrol.
Bello was said to have uncovered a scheme involving senior finance officers who allegedly created ghost workers on police payroll and diverted their salaries.
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The 38-year-old entrepreneur, who operated a business centre inside the state police headquarters, was said to have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the attorney-general of the federation with detailed information on the alleged fraud in 2021.
In a statement on Tuesday, AFRICMIL said it has sent a petition dated October 6, 2026, to the IGP expressing concerns over Bello’s safety.
“The organisation has reasons to fear for the life of Mr. Bello following the numerous attacks he and his family have faced both before and after his arrest. Mr. Bello’s ordeal is a clear case of impunity and grave human rights violation.” Chido Onumah, AFRICMIL coordinator, said.
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“As a Nigerian who has undertaken a patriotic duty, he deserves the protection of the state. We hope you will use your good offices to intervene in this matter and bring it to a speedy conclusion, including a diligent investigation into the alleged payroll fraud and justice for Mr. Bello for the retaliation he has suffered over the years.”
The petition was also copied to Lateef Fagbemi, the AGF and minister of justice; Musa Adamu Aliyu, ICPC chairman; Anthony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); and Anna Myers, executive director of the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN).
