The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), a civil society organization advocating for anti-corruption and human rights, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of targeting its president, Barr. Edward Omaga, in retaliation for exposing alleged corrupt practices within Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB).
In a statement issued on Monday, GICN condemned the police’s actions as a “witch-hunt” designed to silence whistleblowers. The group revealed that it had conducted a private investigation into alleged illegal activities by GTB, presenting its findings to the media on October 3 and subsequently submitting them to crime-fighting agencies in Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Ghana.
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The report, which was also sent to the Inspector-General of Police on October 7, outlined claims of financial misconduct by GTB. However, instead of investigating the allegations, GICN alleges that the police have turned their focus on Barr. Omaga.
On October 10, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura reportedly summoned Barr. Omaga, accusing him of criminal defamation, cyberbullying, economic sabotage, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. The police later declared Omaga wanted, placed him on a watchlist, and froze his bank accounts, GICN claimed.
“This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted,” GICN said in its statement.
The organization described the police’s allegations as baseless, arguing that exposing corruption promotes transparency and accountability, which strengthens the economy rather than sabotaging it. GICN also noted that free speech, including whistleblowing, is protected under Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties.
“It is only after the allegations, together with documents supplied, are confirmed through forensic analysis to be false that the whistleblower can be held liable for criminal defamation,” the group said.
GICN criticized the police for weaponizing defamation and cyberbullying laws to intimidate whistleblowers and stifle dissent.
In response to the police actions, GICN and Barr. Omaga have filed multiple lawsuits against the Inspector-General of Police and the Central Bank of Nigeria, vowing to pursue justice in both Nigerian and ECOWAS courts.
The group called on civil society organizations, the media, and Nigerians to rally against what it described as an attack on free speech and the fight against corruption.
“This is not just about Barr. Omaga. Today, it is him; tomorrow, it could be any other citizen of Nigeria. We must collectively resist any attempt to silence the voices of truth and justice,” GICN urged.
GICN reiterated its commitment to transparency and the protection of whistleblowers, urging the police to focus on investigating the allegations against GTB rather than targeting those who expose wrongdoing.
The organization warned that silencing whistleblowers undermines democracy and the rule of law, both of which are critical to Nigeria’s progress.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The government and its institutions must choose whether to protect whistleblowers or embolden corruption,” the statement concluded.