A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by Dr. Bright Echefu, the Managing Director and CEO of Telcom Satellite Television Service (TSTV), seeking to stop the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from investigating him over an alleged N2 billion fraud.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his ruling on Wednesday, described the application as frivolous and without merit, stating that the police have the authority to investigate under Section 4 of the Police Act. The court found it inappropriate for Echefu to seek legal protection from being investigated for allegations of stealing and misappropriating N2 billion in investment funds meant for TSTV.
The allegations were brought forward by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who accused Echefu of fraudulent activities concerning the investment. After being summoned by the police for questioning, Echefu approached the court, seeking an order to prevent the IGP and his officers from investigating the matter. He also requested that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), who oversees the Force Bureau of Criminal Investigation, be restrained from probing TSTV’s finances.
Echefu argued that the N2 billion investment was a civil matter and that the police had no legal authority to investigate it. He further objected to the police’s involvement, claiming they were acting as debt recovery agents for the former minister.
The court, however, dismissed Echefu’s arguments, upholding the police’s right to investigate the alleged fraud.
