Abuja, Nigeria – A senior Nigerian police officer, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Abduyari Lafia, has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun of shielding an Indian national, Kumar Gurav, from prosecution in a rape case involving an American citizen.
In a petition dated August 1, 2024, and addressed to the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, Mr. Lafia alleged that the IGP ordered the withdrawal of a rape case against Mr. Gurav, despite what he described as “overwhelming evidence” of guilt. The petition was titled: “How IGP Kayode Egbetokun Shielded a Suspect in a Case of Rape Against an American Citizen.”
According to Mr. Lafia, the case originated in April 2023, when Ms. Malory Henry, a U.S. citizen on assignment in Makurdi, Benue State, accused her colleague, Mr. Gurav — then an assistant manager with Olam Rice Nigeria — of drugging and raping her at his residence on March 30, 2023.
Medical examinations reportedly confirmed the assault, leading to Mr. Gurav’s arrest and arraignment on May 12, 2023, before the Benue High Court (Suit No: MHC/42C/2023). Mr. Lafia alleged that the suspect attempted to bribe investigators with ₦100 million, which he claims was rejected.
However, after assuming office, IGP Egbetokun allegedly ordered the case withdrawn “for further investigation.” On July 26, 2024, prosecutors informed the court of the directive, resulting in the defendant’s discharge and acquittal without entering a defence.
“The prosecutor, ASP Edwin Ochayi, who diligently handled the case, was transferred to Niger State as punishment, while my promotion was blocked to silence me,” Mr. Lafia stated in his petition. He further accused the police leadership of victimising him and Mr. Ochayi instead of commending their refusal to accept a bribe.
Mr. Lafia insisted that the IGP’s intervention left the victim disillusioned and forced her to petition the Benue State Attorney-General for the case to be reopened.
“I am constrained to write this petition and draw your attention to this ignoble injustice meted out to your citizen [Miss Malory Henry] and the impunity with which it was carried out by IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who operates above the law,” he wrote.
“My conscience and oath of office compelled me to act in defence of the law and the victim. I promised Miss Malory Henry that she would get justice, and I will do everything humanly possible within the law to expose this abuse.”
When contacted by Daily Nigerian, Mr. Lafia confirmed that he signed and submitted the petition to the U.S. Embassy.
Meanwhile, sources disclosed that the AIG is currently under suspension over alleged age falsification. He has, however, filed a legal challenge against IGP Egbetokun over the suspension.
Author: Blesssing Pearl Umoh
Senior Correspondent
Lagos, Nigeria
Very good information can be found on web site.