…Says suspect remanded on court order, complainant not related to Mba
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked claims by counsel to Langwa Brezhnev, a Cameroonian businessman in Nigeria, being investigated by the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), alleging illegal arrest and unlawful detention
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who debunked the claims in a press statement, Monday in Abuja, said the investigation was in line with police investigative procedure.
The statement read: “The NPF wishes to state categorically that the ongoing investigations of one Langwa Brezhnev, a Cameroonian businessman in Nigeria, by the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Lagos Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi-Lagos, is in line with police investigative procedure.
“This affirmation is on the heels of a press statement issued by Lead Counsel to Langwa Brezhnev, one Inibehe Effiong ESQ, alleging illegal arrest and unlawful detention of the suspect.
“To set the record straight, the Force CID, Lagos Annex, in May, 2023, received a petition titled, “Compliant Against Mr Langwa Brezhnev Over The Ontainment Of Goods By False Pretence And Fraud In Respect Of Sale Of Fertilizer” from one Siri Legal Consulting, solicitors to EMB Trade Logistics NIG LTD.
“The suspect, who has been off the radar, following the fraudulent transactions as alleged, was arrested in Uyo and brought to Lagos to enable him answer to the allegations against him. Investigations so far by the Police team have however, clearly established a prima facie case against the suspect.
“Meanwhile, the report from the Force CID Annex shows that the suspect is currently on remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre following a Remand Order issued by Igbosere Magistrate Court 21, Lagos.
“It is also noted that the same court had earlier granted a Remand Order committing the suspect to Police custody to avail the Police with additional time for a discrete investigation into the matter.”
Adejobi further stated, “Similarly, the claim by Barrister Inibehe that DIG Frank Mba is a brother to the nominal complainant, one Hilary Emaka Mba, which is the basis for his allegation of undue influence against the senior officer, is false and unfounded.
“The fact remains that Hilary Emeka Mba is not in any way connected or related to DIG Frank Emeka Mba. They have no filial relationship whatsoever. The resemblance in name is purely a coincidence of names.
“Without mincing words, the allegation against DIG Mba, who was not even the AIG in charge of FCID Annex Alagbon when the suspect was arrested, is just a psychological projection and a campaign of calumny.’
The spokesperson stressed that,
“The Force therefore enjoins members of the public to disregard the claim of illegal arrest and unlawful detention of Mr Langwa by the Police, as well as allegation of undue influence by DIG Mba or any officer of the NPF as untrue and unfounded. “The Force equally wishes to advise Barrister Inibehe to direct his efforts to the court of law, where the case is already being heard, rather than maliciously using the media to defame the hard-earned professional reputation of senior police officers and obstructing the course of justice.”
