The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that ₦100 million was mistakenly transferred from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account to Victor Adewale Egbetokun, son of outgoing Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. The Force said the money was immediately returned once the error was discovered.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained on Politics Today (Channels Television) that upon noticing the unusual transfer, he contacted Victor Egbetokun. “He said the money appeared in his account. I immediately instructed our accounts officer to reverse the transaction, which was done,” Hundeyin said.
Victor Egbetokun, who is neither a police officer nor a government official, received the funds from the Anambra State Security Vote VI account at Sterling Bank. Documents show the money was sent in four tranches of ₦25 million each on September 12, 2025. Although the transfers were reversed electronically on September 29, sources claim the money was later withdrawn in cash and redeposited into Victor’s account on October 2, 2025.
The transfer sparked concerns because the funds were meant for urgent security operations in the South-East, including intelligence gathering and emergency responses to crime. Sources said IGP Egbetokun became aware of the error, warned his son about potential legal consequences, and ensured the money was returned promptly.
The N100 million controversy coincides with IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted his resignation and appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting IGP. Disu previously served as head of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.
A source said, “Egbetokun was at the Presidential Villa to prepare his handover notes. The President advised him to focus on his health, as he has kidney-related medical issues.” President Tinubu will convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s confirmation, after which the Senate will approve his appointment.
The leadership change has reignited debate over seniority and regional representation within the Nigeria Police Force. DIG Frank Mba, the most senior officer in the Force, was bypassed again despite having the experience and rank traditionally required for the IGP position. Observers note that officers from the South-West, like Egbetokun and Disu, have consistently been favoured, leaving the South-East without top representation.
Security analysts say this trend raises questions about fairness in appointments and adherence to federal character principles, even as the Force faces mounting security challenges nationwide.
