Odita Sunday 
Mining Marshals deny N2bn allegation, accuse police team of sustained blackmail
By Odita Sunday
The Office of the Commander of the Mining Marshals has dismissed reports alleging that the Nigeria Police arrested three officials of the outfit over the death of a colleague and traced over N2 billion to a suspect’s bank account.
ACC Ojo Toluwatope Alex, Esq., Legal Officer and Lead Prosecution Counsel of the Mining Marshals, stated this in a detailed statement issued on Monday.
According to him, the publication was misleading and failed to reflect the relationship between the Mining Marshals and the late DSC Agada Levi, whom he described as “one of the most active and loyal officers” of the operation.
Alex stated that the Zenith Bank account belonging to one Jibrin Labaran allegedly linked to the case recorded total credits of N760,457.25 and debits of N760,129.85 over one year, contrary to claims that over N2 billion was traced to the account.
He alleged that the Mining Marshals had faced persistent harassment and blackmail from Team N of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force, headed by CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, over operations at an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State.
According to him, the police team had repeatedly disrupted lawful operations at the site and previously arrested Mining Marshals personnel before their eventual release following intervention by senior police authorities.
Alex further alleged that the same police officer had used media platforms in the past to blackmail the Mining Marshals, adding that one of the matters was resolved in court in favour of the outfit.
He explained that the Mining Marshals had formally requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation into the death of Agada Levi to the Department of State Services for impartial handling.
The legal officer also claimed that one of the officers, Iwodi Obochi, was arrested from his residence on May 20, 2026, without prior communication to the office or family members.
According to him, two other officers who visited the deceased officer’s brother in Kuje to seek clarification over the matter were later arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department.
Alex alleged that despite directives from the Inspector-General of Police and the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Department for the release of the detained officers, CSP Oyewumi initially refused to comply.
He maintained that the Mining Marshals had supported the family of the late officer throughout the burial process and assisted financially.
According to him, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had also pledged continued support for the deceased officer’s family.
Alex further alleged that foreign nationals linked to illegal mining activities were sponsoring attempts to undermine the operations of the Mining Marshals because of the outfit’s crackdown on illegal mining.
He insisted that although Agada Levi died in the line of duty, none of the management members of the Mining Marshals had any involvement in his death.
The Mining Marshals called on the public to remain calm and disregard what it described as blackmail and false narratives surrounding the matter.
About the Author
