A fresh controversy has emerged within the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police Force following allegations that two officers currently under investigation for corruption-related offences have been appointed to head sensitive investigative units.
According to multiple police sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the development has generated serious concerns within the force, with officers warning that such appointments could undermine discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the police investigative system.
Officers Under Investigation
The officers at the centre of the controversy are Superintendent of Police (SP) Giwa Abdul and SP Bologi Abdullahi. Both are reportedly under investigation over allegations including corruption, extortion, theft, and other forms of professional misconduct.
Despite these ongoing investigations, sources claim that the officers were recently assigned leadership roles within FCID Abuja shortly after Deputy Inspector-General of Police Margaret Ochalla was appointed to oversee the department.
Multiple Units Handling Probe
Senior police sources revealed that investigations into the officers are being handled by three major internal units:
- The IGP Monitoring Unit
- The FCID Anti-Money Laundering Section
- The FCID X-Squad in Abuja
The Anti-Money Laundering Unit, headed by Commissioner of Police Hyacinth Edozie, is reportedly examining suspicious financial activities linked to SP Abdul.
Investigators allegedly discovered hundreds of millions of naira in Abdul’s bank accounts, raising serious concerns among officials handling the probe.
A source familiar with the investigation said the scale of the funds triggered “significant red flags” during the inquiry.
Earlier Disciplinary Measures
Sources further disclosed that both officers had previously been placed under administrative supervision pending the outcome of investigations.
- SP Abdul was placed under the supervision of CP Hyacinth Edozie at FCID Abuja.
- SP Abdullahi was assigned to operate under the FCID X-Squad.
According to insiders, these measures were introduced during the tenure of the former DIG in charge of FCID, Sadiq Abubakar, who recently retired.
The former DIG was reportedly considering recommending the dismissal of both officers before the disciplinary process slowed due to unspecified interventions.
Controversial New Postings
The controversy escalated following reports that the two officers have now been assigned to head sensitive sections within FCID Abuja.
According to an internal police wireless message obtained by SaharaReporters, the following postings were ordered with immediate effect:
- CSP Lasisi Babatunde – Officer-in-Charge, Financial Investigation Team
- SP Giwa Abdul – Head, Cyber Fraud Team
- SP Abdullahi B. Abdullahi – Head, Tactical Investigation Team
The Cyber Fraud Team handles investigations into internet scams and digital financial crimes, while the Tactical Investigation Team manages complex and high-risk criminal investigations.
The directive, marked “M/IMMEDIATE,” ordered the redeployments to take effect without delay.
Internal Concerns Within FCID
Several officers expressed concern that assigning individuals under investigation to such strategic roles sends a negative signal within the police hierarchy.
One senior officer said the decision could erode confidence among officers who have maintained professional standards throughout their careers.
“FCID Abuja is the highest investigative arm of the Nigeria Police Force. Appointing officers under investigation to lead sensitive units sends the wrong message about discipline and accountability,” the officer said.
Allegations of Influence and Conflict of Interest
Some police sources also alleged that SP Abdul often boasts of having close ties with DIG Ochalla and claims this relationship protects him from disciplinary action.
Sources further claimed that while serving as Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the FCID Annex in Alagbon, Ochalla had previously appealed for leniency for the officers during earlier stages of the investigation.
These claims have led some officers to question whether a conflict of interest may exist in the recent posting decisions.
Questions Over Lifestyle
Investigators are also reportedly examining Abdul’s lifestyle, which sources describe as unusually lavish for a police officer of his rank.
According to police insiders, Abdul is said to drive several luxury vehicles and has occasionally parked them in spaces reserved for senior officers such as Commissioners of Police.
Leadership Transition at FCID
DIG Ochalla recently resumed duties at FCID headquarters in Abuja. She reportedly completed her documentation on March 10, 2026, and was scheduled to formally assume full leadership of the department on March 16, 2026.
Some officers expressed surprise that the controversial postings were allegedly made even before she fully assumed operational control of the department.
Police Response Awaited
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Anthony Okon, had not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing the report.
When contacted, Okon said he was about to attend a meeting and would respond later. However, no response had been received.
Similarly, attempts to obtain comments from DIG Ochalla were unsuccessful as she declined subsequent calls and messages after initially requesting time to respond.
Growing Internal Discontent
Sources within the FCID say the situation has sparked quiet discontent among officers, many of whom fear the controversy could damage the reputation of the police investigative arm.
Investigations by the IGP Monitoring Unit, FCID Anti-Money Laundering Unit, and FCID X-Squad are reportedly still ongoing.
