By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged victimisation and endangerment of a whistleblower, Mr. Mubarak Bello, by the Katsina State Police Command.
In a petition dated October 6, 2025, AFRICMIL expressed grave concern over the harassment, arrest, and continued persecution of Mr. Bello, who exposed a ghost workers’ racket within the Katsina Police Command’s payroll system.
The petition, signed by AFRICMIL Coordinator, Dr. Chido Onumah, was copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN); the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu (SAN); and Anna Myers, Executive Director of the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN) in Glasgow, Scotland.
Citing a recent report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) titled “Police Hound Whistleblower After Exposing Payroll Racket” (September 16, 2025), AFRICMIL noted that Mr. Bello, 38, was arrested on September 13, 2025, and charged with impersonation, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of a fake police identity card — allegations the group described as retaliatory and baseless.
AFRICMIL stated that independent investigations suggest Mr. Bello’s arrest was a direct consequence of his whistleblowing activities. Bello, an entrepreneur who operated a business centre within the Katsina Police Headquarters, had since 2021 provided detailed petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC, exposing irregularities and ghost names in the police payroll.
According to Dr. Onumah, AFRICMIL is deeply concerned for Mr. Bello’s safety, as he and his family have reportedly faced repeated threats and attacks, both before and after his arrest.
“Mr. Bello’s ordeal represents a grave violation of human rights and a culture of impunity that discourages accountability. “As a Nigerian who performed a patriotic duty, he deserves the protection of the state, not persecution. We call on the IGP to urgently intervene, ensure his safety, and order a transparent investigation into the payroll fraud he exposed.” Onumah said.
AFRICMIL further urged the Nigerian Police Force to demonstrate its commitment to transparency by ensuring that whistleblowers are protected in accordance with Nigeria’s Whistleblower Policy and relevant international conventions on anti-corruption and human rights.
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