‘No more pictures with strangers’, Nigerian police chief says after outrage over alleged relationship with fraudster

 

Nigeria’s Police Chief, Kayode Egbetokun has announced he will no longer pose for random photographs with individuals he does not know well, citing the risk of such images being misused or weaponised amid growing online controversies.

Recent allegations have emerged involving Egbetokun, and accusations of his connection to a Nigerian socialite, identified as Nzube Henry Ikeji, who allegedly posed as the Crown Prince of Dubai to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of $2.5 million in a romance and humanitarian investment fraud scheme.

The allegation is contained in an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

But speaking at a public event in Abuja on Monday, the IGP addressed the recent backlash triggered by photos of him with an alleged fraudster.

He explained that in an era of rapid social media scrutiny, a seemingly innocent picture can later be used to imply endorsement, association, or credibility with individuals whose conduct comes under question.

“I would want to apologize to those distinguished individuals whose photo opportunities I have declined. This decision is not driven by pride but by caution at a time when photo opportunities granted at special occasions can be weaponised.” Egbetokun said

The controversy erupted after reports detailed the alleged fraudster’s activities where his photos with high-profile figures—including the IGP, politicians, celebrities, and business leaders—resurfaced online, prompting public criticism and questions about due diligence in public engagements.

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Egbetokun emphasized that the new policy is a proactive step to protect the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and prevent any perception of undue association.

Even I am now tempted to turn down picture requests I often get at events. ☹️
Many are quick to twist innocent, good-intentioned actions.

‘I would want to apologize to those distinguished individuals whose photo opportunities I have declined. This decision is not driven by… pic.twitter.com/q8GE4iFZXY

— ACP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) February 9, 2026