Mining Marshals Dismiss N2bn Allegation, Demand Independent Probe into Officer’s Death
Mining Marshals Dismiss N2bn Allegation, Demand Independent Probe into Officer’s Death
Mining Marshals Dismiss N2bn Allegation, Demand Independent Probe into Officer’s Death
The Mining Marshals have rejected reports alleging that more than N2 billion was traced to the bank account of one of its officers in connection with the death of a colleague, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by its management, the organisation responded to a viral publication titled “Nigeria Police Arrest Three NSCDC Officers over Colleague’s Death, Trace Over N2 Billion To Suspect’s Bank Account,” insisting that the report was inconsistent with the facts surrounding the case.
The statement noted that the late DSC Agada Levi was a dedicated and active member of the Mining Marshals and described his death as a painful loss to the organisation.
Addressing the financial allegation, the Mining Marshals stated that the Zenith Bank account belonging to officer Jibrin Labaran reflected total credits of N760,457.25 and total debits of N760,129.85 over the past year, largely representing salary payments and routine transactions.
The organisation maintained that the account records directly contradict claims that more than N2 billion had been traced to the officer’s account during the course of investigations.
The Mining Marshals also alleged a pattern of operational interference and blackmail by officers attached to Team N of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force, claiming that such actions had repeatedly disrupted anti-illegal mining operations over the past year.
According to the statement, previous confrontations involved attempts to access a mining site that had been preserved as a crime scene in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings against suspected illegal miners.
The organisation further questioned the involvement of officers it described as having prior operational disputes with the Mining Marshals in the investigation into the death of DSC Agada Levi.
It disclosed that a formal request had been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police seeking the transfer of the investigation to the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure impartiality.
The statement also provided details regarding the arrests of several Mining Marshals personnel, including officer Iwodi Obochi, alleging that some of the arrests were carried out without prior notification to the organisation or the families of those involved.
On the death of DSC Agada Levi, the Mining Marshals said an internal investigation had been completed and submitted to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the organisation, the report recommended disciplinary action and possible prosecution of officers found culpable, in line with established procedures.
The Mining Marshals stated that it had maintained regular engagement with the family of the deceased officer and had supported burial arrangements and welfare assistance for the widow.
It added that financial support amounting to N3 million was mobilised for the family through contributions from friends of the operation, while further assistance had been promised by the NSCDC leadership.
The organisation also alleged that foreign nationals linked to illegal mining activities were sponsoring campaigns aimed at discrediting the Mining Marshals because of its enforcement actions against unlawful mining operations.
While reaffirming its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources, the organisation called on the Inspector-General of Police to review the conduct of officers involved in the matter and ensure that investigations are handled professionally and transparently.
The Mining Marshals expressed confidence that an independent review by the DSS would help establish the facts surrounding the death of DSC Agada Levi and address concerns raised by all parties involved.
The organisation extended its condolences to the family of the late officer and urged members of the public to remain calm, allow due process to take its course and avoid spreading unverified information while investigations continue.
Mining Marshals Dismiss N2bn Allegation, Demand Independent Probe into Officer’s Death
