OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE MINING MARSHALS ON THE VIRAL PUBLICATION ALLEGING THE TRACING OF N2 BILLION TO AN OFFICER'S ACCOUNT



The attention of the Mining Marshals has been drawn to a viral publication captioned: “Nigeria Police Arrest Three NSCDC Officers over Colleague's Death, Trace Over N2 Billion To Suspect's Bank Account.”


While the late DSC Agada Levi was one of the most active and loyal officers in the Mining Marshals Operations, it is most unfortunate that the publication is in sharp contrast with the facts and the relationship that existed between the Mining Marshals and the deceased officer until his passing.


Accordingly, and pursuant to the directive of the Commandant General, the Office of the Commander of the Mining Marshals considers it necessary to place the following facts before the public.


The Zenith Bank account number 1008392780 belonging to Jibrin Labaran, from the statement of account covering the last one year, reflects a total credit of N760,457.25 and a total debit of N760,129.85, representing largely his emoluments as an officer. This is contrary to the claim of over N2 billion allegedly traced to the account in the purported police investigation report circulated online. Indeed, the Mining Marshals paid off a debt of N50,000 linked to the account holder when he was taken into custody alongside others at the duty location where the unfortunate incident occurred.


The Mining Marshals further note a pattern of sustained blackmail and interference allegedly perpetrated over the last one year by Team N of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi. These actions have consistently disrupted lawful Mining Marshals operations at the site in question.


The public may recall a widely circulated incident in which CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi reportedly led more than thirty police operatives to the site with the apparent intention of facilitating the return of illegal miners who are presently standing trial before the Federal High Court. The site in question was being protected as a locus criminis in relation to pending criminal proceedings.


Similarly, officers of the same FID Team N previously arrested four Mining Marshals operatives from the same site. Following a petition to the former Inspector-General of Police, the intervention of the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force secured their release after what was considered an unlawful arrest.


The Mining Marshals therefore consider it improper that the same officer who has had repeated operational confrontations with the organisation is now purportedly investigating the death of an NSCDC operative arising from the same operational environment. This concern informed the formal request to the Inspector-General of Police seeking the transfer of the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for impartial review and handling.


Regarding the arrest of Iwodi Obochi, the Mining Marshals state that he was first arrested on 20 May 2026 from his residence while on a two-day off-duty period. No prior communication regarding his arrest was made either to the organisation or to his family.


After five days of unsuccessful efforts to locate him across police facilities, the organisation contacted his wife, who disclosed that her husband had been arrested at gunpoint and informed that he was being accused of killing a colleague in Nasarawa State.


Given the cordial relationship maintained with the family of the late Agada Levi, the Mining Marshals dispatched two officers, Simeon Anyebe and Ayefu Ibrahim, to ascertain whether the deceased officer's elder brother, Mathew Agada, was aware of any matter concerning his late brother beyond the ongoing internal proceedings. Upon locating him at his place of work at the Kuje Correctional Service, the officers were allegedly detained and subsequently handed over to FID operatives.


The Mining Marshals categorically reject reports suggesting that the officers were arrested while attempting to see a suspect on remand, describing such claims as entirely false.


Following a review of correspondence submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, a directive was reportedly issued for the release of the three officers. The organisation maintains that the directive was not implemented until the intervention of the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the FID.


With respect to the death of DSC Agada Levi, the report of the internal investigation was submitted and subsequently forwarded to the Commandant General. Upon receipt, the Commandant General directed the Administrative Department to commence disciplinary procedures, after which the matter would be referred to the Directorate of Legal Services for prosecution, in line with the recommendations contained in the report.


The report has since entered the public domain and was attached to correspondence forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police.


The Mining Marshals also engaged members of the deceased officer's family in Kaduna State and informed them that officers connected to the matter were already in custody and undergoing interrogation.


During these engagements, the organisation presented WhatsApp communications between the Commander of the Mining Marshals and the late officer. These communications show that the deceased officer had been cautioned against exceeding his assigned operational boundaries after indicating an intention to clear illegal miners from areas outside his designated operational jurisdiction. The organisation maintains that these communications form part of the evidentiary materials retained for investigation and eventual transmission to the DSS.


The Mining Marshals further state that family members appealed for the release of suspects, expressing concern that continued detention could affect their benefits. This request was declined, and two indicted suspects remain in custody despite petitions alleging unlawful detention having been submitted by their families.


The organisation subsequently undertook responsibility for the burial arrangements of the deceased officer. Following consultations with the family and with the approval of the Commandant General, a burial committee was established and all associated expenses and logistics were borne by the committee without any financial contribution from the family.


Following the burial, the Mining Marshals facilitated support amounting to N3 million from friends of the operation for the benefit of the deceased officer's widow and ensured that the contribution was communicated to the committee for immediate transmission.


The Commandant General has also pledged continued support to the family, including assistance aimed at facilitating integration opportunities within the NSCDC structure.


The Mining Marshals maintain that all documents referenced above, including exported WhatsApp communications demonstrating the family's participation and consent throughout the process, were attached to correspondence submitted to the Inspector-General of Police.


The organisation further alleges that foreign nationals connected to an illegal mining site previously shut down in Nasarawa State are sponsoring attempts to undermine the Mining Marshals through sustained campaigns of blackmail and misinformation.


The Mining Marshals express concern that despite a directive reportedly issued by the Inspector-General of Police on 30 May 2026 for the release of certain personnel, compliance was delayed until further intervention from superior authorities.


The organisation also alleges that on 31 May 2026, following the release of Mining Marshals personnel, attempts were made by FID operatives to arrest Ojo Toluwatope Alex, Lead Prosecution Counsel to the Mining Marshals, at his residence in Sauka, Abuja. According to the organisation, the operation generated considerable tension within the estate and was eventually unsuccessful.


The Mining Marshals further contend that the presence of Chinese nationals during the operation raises serious concerns and warrants independent verification by relevant authorities, including the DSS and military personnel stationed in the area.


In light of these developments, the Mining Marshals believe that a deliberate effort is underway to undermine an operation that has significantly strengthened enforcement against illegal mining activities in Nigeria.


The organisation therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police and the management of the Nigeria Police Force to review the conduct of the officers involved and take appropriate measures necessary to preserve the integrity, professionalism and public confidence traditionally associated with the Force Intelligence Department.


The Mining Marshals wish to state unequivocally that they are not denying that DSC Agada Levi died in the line of duty. His death remains a painful loss to the organisation. However, the Management Team of the Mining Marshals maintains that it has no involvement whatsoever in the circumstances surrounding his death and believes that certain interests are seeking to exploit the unfortunate incident to advance unrelated objectives against the organisation.


The Mining Marshals further maintain that foreign actors benefiting from illegal mining activities remain united in opposition to the organisation because of its efforts to sanitise the mining sector and protect Nigeria's mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.


The organisation remains resolute in its patriotic commitment to restoring order, accountability and legality within Nigeria's mining industry.


Finally, it is important to note that since the commencement of Mining Marshals Operations more than two years ago, the death of DSC Agada Levi is the first fatality recorded within the operation. The organisation rejects any suggestion that the death of a respected and valued officer such as Agada Levi could serve the interests of any reasonable member of its leadership or personnel.


The Mining Marshals once again extend their condolences to the family of the late DSC Agada Levi and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.


While awaiting an independent review of the matter by the Department of State Services, the Mining Marshals urge members of the public to remain calm, allow due process to take its course, and disregard what the organisation considers misleading narratives and attempts at blackmail directed against its operations.


Signed


Management

Mining Marshals Operations