A Nigerian businessman, Cyril Obazuaye, has given the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, a seven-day ultimatum to investigate senior officers of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice. Obazuaye's lawyers, Adeboro Adamson, SAN & Co., stated that the police authorities failed to investigate allegations that senior officers frustrated efforts to recover his stolen ₦600 million Rolls-Royce Phantom Convertible.
The controversy surrounding the luxury vehicle began in April 2022 when Obazuaye entrusted it to a car dealer, Henry Udubriah, for the limited purpose of showing it to a prospective buyer. However, the dealer allegedly disappeared with the Rolls-Royce and remained unreachable for several months. Obazuaye lodged a formal complaint on May 16, 2022, with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the FCID, Abuja, through the Force Intelligence Bureau/Intelligence Response Team (FIB/IRT) Commander at Gusape.
Police investigations eventually led to the recovery of the Rolls-Royce from two individuals who were allegedly preparing to sell it. Obazuaye presented documents to establish his ownership, including the original purchase invoice, certified shipping and customs clearance documents, a United States automobile dealership licence, and other identification materials. However, his lawyers claimed that the individuals from whom the vehicle was recovered were subsequently released without their client being formally notified.
The businessman explained that after the vehicle was recovered, the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, examined the ownership documents and directed that the Rolls-Royce be released to him. However, his lawyers stated that the directive was not implemented before Mba's subsequent promotion to Deputy Inspector-General of Police and transfer to Abuja. The solicitors further claimed that the police officers demanded that Obazuaye refund ₦30 million reportedly paid by the suspects to a car dealer before his recovered vehicle could be released to him.
Obazuaye's lawyers, in a reminder and final notice dated October 27, 2026, expressed concern that despite an earlier petition submitted on June 2, 2026, and acknowledged by the IGP's office on June 9, 2026, alongside subsequent reminder letters, their client had received no formal response or information about any investigation into the allegations. The lawyers described the continued silence of the police authorities as particularly troubling given the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the alleged unlawful release of their client's recovered 2013 blue Rolls-Royce Phantom Convertible.
The petition named IPO Aliyu Usuf Adulde, DCP Ibrahim Zungura, and CSP Zuokumor Peikumor of the FCID, Abuja, over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, unlawful release of a recovered stolen vehicle, gross misconduct, and other acts allegedly inimical to the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. The petition also named Henry Udubriah, Emmanuel Olabode, and another individual over stealing, criminal conversion, criminal breach of trust, and obtaining property by false pretence.
Obazuaye's lawyers warned that unless the IGP's office provides a satisfactory written response and confirms appropriate action within seven days of receiving the final notice, their client would pursue all available legal and judicial remedies without further notice. The controversy has raised concerns about the handling of high-profile cases by the police and the need for greater transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
Key points
- Cyril Obazuaye issues seven-day ultimatum to IGP Disu to investigate police officers over alleged misconduct in handling of stolen luxury vehicle.
- The police authorities are accused of failing to investigate allegations that senior officers frustrated efforts to recover Obazuaye's stolen ₦600 million Rolls-Royce Phantom Convertible.
- Obazuaye's lawyers warn that their client will pursue all available legal and judicial remedies if the IGP's office does not provide a satisfactory written response within seven days.
