BY OLANREWAJU AGIRI
The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that it detained Remi Aboderin, Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), stating that he was only invited for questioning following a formal petition.
The Police authorities clarified that their actions were strictly based on a complaint submitted to them and emphasized that no forceful arrest or detention took place. According to the police, Aboderin cooperated with investigators and provided a statement before being allowed to leave.
The police also issued a stern warning to a blogger allegedly spreading unverified reports about the matter online. “We did not release any information to any press concerning a case at a preliminary investigation stage,” the statement read. “Anyone carrying such reports on the Internet is advised to desist or face the wrath of the law.”
Responding to the allegations, Aboderin confirmed that he was contacted by the police over a petition filed by a lawyer at the Area C Anti-Kidnapping Unit. He explained that the petition accused him of possessing and producing forged identity cards and international passports allegedly linked to kidnapping activities.
“A petition was written by a lawyer at Area C Anti-Kidnapping Unit,” Aboderin said. “He claimed I forged identity cards of people not mentioning boxers and that I produced fake identity cards and international passports used in kidnapping.”
He further stated that police officers searched his office and invited him for questioning, during which he voluntarily wrote a statement.
“I say categorically that no fake identity cards or international passports were found in my office,” he added. “I have been released without paying any bail money, and I am back at my house.”
The police reiterated that the matter remains under preliminary investigation and urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could interfere with ongoing inquiries
