Jigida Queen Petitions IGP, PSC: Stop DIG Ben Okolo's Abuse of Office

Published by Vanguard on Mon, 22 Sep 2025

Veteran Nigerian singer, Uche Ibeto, popularly known as the “Jigida Queen,” has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to probe Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo over alleged abuse of office, unlawful interference, and obstruction of police investigations.

In a letter dated September 22, 2025, Ibeto, who was illegally evicted from her Surulere, Lagos home on August 15, 2025 accused DIG Okolo of shielding property developer Cecil Ezem Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa, both currently under investigation for forgery and fraud at the AIG Zone 2 Command, Lagos.

The 70-year-old singer lamented that since her eviction, she has been left homeless, squatting from place to place, and her health has deteriorated. She alleged a conspiracy involving her elder sister, land grabbers, a senior police officer, and corrupt court processes that facilitated her unlawful eviction.

According to Ibeto, immediately after her forceful removal, Osakwe and Giwa began demolition and illegal construction on the disputed property, despite tenants’ belongings still being locked inside their apartments and offices.

“At my age, over 70 years, I should be enjoying the dividends of my labour as a senior citizen. Instead, I am homeless and moving from place to place. This is an injustice I never imagined I would face,” she lamented.

She further alleged that DIG Okolo, who is related to Cecil Osakwe, has been using his position to obstruct investigations at Zone 2 Command. His interference, she said, emboldens Osakwe and Giwa to continue their alleged fraudulent activities and undermines the integrity of the police process.

Ibeto stressed that unless curbed, the DIG’s actions will compromise the investigation and pervert the course of justice. She called on the IGP and PSC Chairman to urgently intervene in the interest of justice and restore confidence in the system.

On September 10, 2025, police directed all parties to stay away from the property to prevent a breakdown of law and order while investigations continued. However, on September 18, 2025, Giwa, allegedly backed by DIG Okolo, returned with thugs and forcefully broke into the premises again.

In her petitions to the IGP and PSC, Ibeto urged the authorities to hold DIG Okolo accountable for using his office to shield suspects and obstruct justice.

📄 Please read the full press statement and attached petitions by Ms. Uche Ibeto to the IGP and PSC for further details.