In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in Nigeria’s media and public discourse—one where allegations against law enforcement officers are rushed to the court of public opinion without due process or context. The latest example involves Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo and his investigative team, who are now battling to clear their names amid unfounded bribery accusations.
The controversy stems from a legitimate commercial dispute between Nostromo Trading Nigeria Ltd and a vendor, Aliyu Abba, over a failed N819 million supply transaction. When an employee of Nostromo, Indian national Sajith Mahdu, petitioned the police over alleged human rights violations by his employer, the Force Intelligence Department (FID) under DIG Okolo acted on the petition in accordance with its mandate.
The investigation was not only lawful but yielded tangible outcomes: the arraignment of Aliyu Abba, the primary suspect, who is now standing trial. Yet, rather than focus on the facts or await the outcome of the legal process, some media outlets chose to peddle allegations that officers, including Investigating Police Officer Mathew Abu, had demanded a N750,000 bribe. These claims were published without corroborating evidence and cast a cloud of suspicion over officers simply doing their jobs.
It is telling that Mahdu—the original petitioner—has now become a prosecution witness in the case, indicating that the investigation was progressing within legal bounds. Nonetheless, the headlines painted a different picture: one of extortion, abuse of power, and jurisdictional overreach. In doing so, the media narrative has shifted attention from the core of the matter—a contractual breach and alleged financial impropriety—to the investigators themselves.
This distortion carries dangerous implications. When police officers are vilified without proper inquiry, morale suffers. Worse, it sends a chilling message that investigating high-stakes cases—particularly those involving foreign nationals or large sums—could lead to personal reputational ruin, regardless of the facts.
There is no doubt that law enforcement must be held accountable. Transparency, oversight, and media scrutiny are pillars of a healthy democracy. But media accountability matters too. The line between investigative journalism and sensationalism must not be blurred. Reporting unverified claims, or omitting exculpatory details, weakens public trust and gives cover to individuals who might be seeking to deflect from their own wrongdoing.
The DIG in question, Benjamin Okolo, has a long record of service without blemish. The officers under him were carrying out their constitutional duties. There was no credible evidence of bribery, no documented misconduct, and no deviation from procedure. Yet, they now find themselves on the defensive, battling a narrative built on conjecture rather than proof.
If this culture of media trials continues unchecked, it will not only damage individuals—it will erode institutional integrity. Officers may grow reluctant to pursue sensitive investigations. Justice may be compromised. And in the end, it is ordinary Nigerians who will pay the price.
What’s needed now is a reaffirmation of standards—on both sides. Police must continue to operate transparently and within the law. And the media must recommit to factual, balanced reporting. Only then can we protect both the integrity of law enforcement and the credibility of our public discourse.