A businessman in Bayelsa has accused a senior police officer in Bayelsa State of obstructing an investigation into a cement fraud case involving his brother and associates, leading to the release of key suspects and the loss of exhibits.
According to the victim, who identified himself as Doupere Olakemi Precious, the ordeal began when he contacted the Dangote regional office in Port Harcourt to inquire about purchasing cement. The office informed him that the company does not sell directly to individuals but instead through accredited distributors. He was subsequently referred to one distributor, who provided the contact of a middleman named Livinus.
The businessman said Livinus assured him that payment could be made only after he had received the consignment from the distributor’s driver. Shortly afterward, a truck loaded with 450 bags of cement arrived at his location. After confirming the delivery, he transferred the sum of ₦3.6 million to the account details provided by the sender.
However, the men who brought the cement claimed they had not received payment and left the location while the businessman was away trying to confirm the transfer. His cousin, who attempted to trail the truck, was chased away. By the following morning, the payment was confirmed by the middleman, who promised that the cement would be returned within 30 minutes. Instead, the man blocked the victim’s number and issued threats.
The victim said he and his associates eventually traced and apprehended Livinus, his wife, and others linked to the deal. They were handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Bayelsa for questioning. But during interrogation, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) allegedly called the unit’s commander, CSP Bishop, and ordered the immediate release of the suspects.
According to Precious, CSP Bishop, displeased by the interference, ordered that the 450 bags of cement found in the suspects’ shop, along with the truck and loaders, be seized as exhibits. Preliminary findings reportedly showed consistent communication between Livinus, his wife, and the original Dangote distributor who had referred the victim to them.
The victim further alleged that the DCP’s brother, also implicated in the case, denied knowledge of the deal, claiming that an unknown individual had instructed him to move the cement. The DCP insisted that his brother was not capable of committing such fraud and directed his release.
Tensions reportedly escalated when the DCP petitioned the Commissioner of Police, accusing CSP Bishop of misconduct. Precious said he personally briefed the Commissioner to correct what he described as a false impression created by the DCP. The case was reassigned to another unit, but according to the complainant, the suspects were again released under the instructions of the DCP, who maintained that his brother was not an accomplice.
The victim alleged that instead of pursuing the fraud case, investigators pressured him into writing a cautionary statement suggesting that he had led thugs to assault an innocent man. He was also told to abandon the matter, as the expenses incurred in tracking the primary suspect were too high.
Despite reportedly spending over ₦4 million in pursuit of justice, Precious said the suspects were set free and the seized exhibits were released, leaving him without compensation or accountability for the alleged fraud.
The allegations raise serious concerns about police interference in criminal investigations, particularly when family members of senior officers are implicated. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bayelsa State Police Command nor the Deputy Commissioner of Police has issued a formal statement addressing the claims.
