The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into allegations levelled against Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ibrahim Baba Zango by his estranged Egyptian wife, Karma Saleh. According to a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by Aliyu Saiki, SAN & Co. on behalf of Saleh, Zango allegedly engaged in a series of unlawful, malicious, threatening, and oppressive acts against her following their separation after a failed marriage. The allegations include threats, harassment, and unlawful interference with bank accounts.
The investigation, which was exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, revealed that Saleh alleged that Zango made criminal allegations against her, threatened her with arrest and deportation through Interpol, blocked her bank accounts and those of some of her friends, monitored her financial transactions, and used his position and influence in the Nigeria Police Force against her. Saleh also alleged that Zango used his office to initiate a criminal case against her at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Kaduna. The Investigating Police Officer handling the case, SP DanMallam, was accused of acting on Zango's instructions to harass her.
According to Saleh's statement, she married Zango under the Marriage Act on January 8, 2020, but they did not live together for an extended period and had no children. Saleh stated that she was no longer interested in the marriage and had commenced divorce proceedings at the High Court in Lagos. She also alleged that she discovered in December 2025 that her Access Bank account had been blocked, and she was subsequently informed that the bank had instructions to arrest her if she visited the bank to conduct transactions.
In response to the allegations, Zango submitted a written statement denying the claims made against him. Instead, the DIG accused Saleh of conspiring with one of her friends to defraud him of N2 million, which he claimed was intended for the purchase of a laptop and a tablet that he had not received. Zango also alleged that Saleh was in possession of five of his vehicles. The investigation report noted that the issues between the two parties appeared to be rooted largely in their unresolved marital dispute.
The investigation report recommended further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the blocking of Saleh's bank accounts and the handling of the related criminal case. The report suggested that the case being investigated at the FCID Annex, Kaduna, be transferred for an independent review, particularly because the allegation involved possible abuse of office. The recommendation was contained in a report submitted to the Inspector-General of Police by DIG Zachariah Fera Achiya.
Zango's promotion to DIG was part of a major restructuring of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in March. The Police Service Commission (PSC) approved the promotion of seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs). Zango previously served as the AIG in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The investigation into the allegations against Zango is ongoing, and the Police Service Commission has not made any official statements regarding the matter. The case has raised concerns about the abuse of power and the need for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be determined.
Key points
- DIG Ibrahim Baba Zango has been accused by his estranged wife, Karma Saleh, of threats, harassment, and account blocking.
- The investigation into the allegations has recommended further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the blocking of Saleh's bank accounts.
- The case has raised concerns about the abuse of power and the need for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
