A Nigerian police officer investigating a major international fraud case has been accused of aiding the prime suspect’s escape after allegedly developing a romantic relationship with her.
Victor Okeshola, an officer attached to the National Cybercrime Centre (NCC), was in charge of the investigation into Precious Chiradza, a Zimbabwean national accused of defrauding Nigerians of over ₦1 billion through a fraudulent investment scheme, QZ Assets Management. Chiradza and several accomplices, including South African nationals, were facing criminal charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, sources revealed that Okeshola smuggled Chiradza out of Nigeria, allegedly in exchange for millions of naira in bribes. Further investigations indicate that Chiradza, also known as Pria, is now pregnant with Okeshola’s child and seeking to divorce her Nigerian husband, who resides in South Africa.
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Chiradza was initially remanded in prison custody by Justice James Kolawole Omotosho but secured bail after Okeshola and police prosecutors allegedly provided fake sureties. Despite court-imposed travel restrictions, she and another suspect, Gugu Manana, were able to leave Nigeria, reportedly with Okeshola’s assistance. Evidence, including pictures and videos, suggests that Okeshola traveled with them to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Dubai.
The allegations of compromise were formally raised in a petition submitted to the National Cybercrime Centre and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The petition accused Okeshola of engaging in a romantic relationship with Chiradza, obstructing justice, and ensuring that evidence, including over $1 million discovered in her account, was concealed. It also alleged that officers at the NCC were bribed with envelopes of cash to manipulate the investigation in Chiradza’s favor.
Further reports indicate that while Chiradza was in NCC custody, Okeshola arranged for her to spend nights outside police detention under the pretense of a medical emergency. Instead of being taken to a hospital, sources claim she and Okeshola stayed in a hotel.
Despite these revelations, senior police officers have reportedly failed to take action against Okeshola. Justice Omotosho recently rejected an attempt by prosecutors to withdraw the case, prompting Okeshola and his allies to seek the intervention of the Ministry of Justice. According to sources, Okeshola allegedly paid ₦50 million to ministry officials to take over the case and withdraw it for “lack of substantial evidence.”
The primary complainants, who lost large sums of money in the fraudulent scheme, have expressed frustration over the handling of the case. One of them, Chinagorom Uchechi, recounted how the police initially assured them of a thorough investigation but later allowed Chiradza to use her phone in custody and facilitated her escape.
When contacted for a response, Okeshola refused to comment, stating that the matter was in court. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, did not respond to calls or messages at the time of this report.
