Alleged certificate forgery: Police fault deputy commissioner for releasing document indicting Ondo governor, Aiyedatiwa
The Nigeria police have refuted the authenticity of a document circulating on social media containing conclusions of an investigation into allegations against the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The document reportedly contains alleged fraudulent misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice, and perjury against the governor.
A statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force said the said document did not originate from the Force.
He said that a Deputy Commissioner of Police does not have the authority to release such a report on behalf of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or any other departments within the Force.
Adejobi added that the Force was investigating the origin of the said document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address the recent circulation of a document purportedly containing conclusions of an investigation into allegations against the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The document alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice, and perjury against the governor.
“We wish to clarify that the said document did not originate from the Nigeria Police Force. The alleged signatory, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, does not have the authority to release such a report on behalf of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or any other such Departments within the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating the origin of the said document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation. We urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could potentially tarnish the reputation of individuals or public officials.
“Furthermore, we assure the public that any official communication or report regarding investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force will be released through appropriate channels.”
In January, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, denied that the document was authentic.
According to him, it emanated from “desperate elements” who failed to get Aiyedatiwa impeached.
He said, “A governorship aspirant last night held a meeting with some individuals at a popular hotel in Akure where he gave the directive to those present to write stories alleging that the Governor used forged certificates to contest election.
“It is important to alert members of the public to this plot which is aimed at discrediting Mr. Governor ahead of the coming governorship election in the state.
“Mr. Governor contested in a joint ticket with his former principal in the 2020 governorship election and his credentials were duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and those are in public domain.”
