Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abduyari Lafia has petitioned the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, accusing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of protecting an Indian national, Kumar Gurav, who is alleged to have raped an American citizen in Benue State.
The petition, dated August 1, alleges that the IGP ordered the withdrawal of the case from court despite evidence against the suspect.
The alleged rape occurred on March 30, 2023, when Ms. Malory Henry, a U.S. citizen on assignment in Makurdi, accused her colleague, Mr. Gurav, an Assistant Manager with Olam Rice Nigeria, of drugging and assaulting her at his residence.
A medical examination reportedly confirmed the assault, leading to Mr. Gurav’s arrest and arraignment at the Benue High Court on May 12, 2023 (Suit No: MHC/42C/2023).
AIG Lafia also claimed the suspect attempted to bribe investigators with N100 million, an offer he rejected.
Upon assuming office, IGP Egbetokun according to Daily Nigerian, allegedly instructed that the case be withdrawn “for further investigation.”
This directive led to the defendant’s discharge and acquittal on July 26, 2024, without a defense being entered.
AIG Lafia accused the IGP of punishing those who pursued the case, including transferring the prosecutor, ASP Edwin Ochayi, to Niger State and blocking Lafia’s own promotion.
He also questioned the IGP’s motives, particularly following the rejected bribe, and noted that the victim, Ms. Henry, had since petitioned the Benue State Attorney-General to reopen the case.
In his petition, Lafia called the situation an “ignoble injustice” against Ms. Henry and accused the IGP of operating “above the law.”
He stated that his conscience and oath of office compelled him to act, promising to do everything within the law to ensure justice for the victim.
When contacted, Lafia confirmed submitting the petition to the U.S. Embassy, while efforts to obtain a response from police headquarters were unsuccessful, as Force Spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin did not respond to inquiries.
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