Alleged N2bn fraud: Court dismisses TSTV CEO, Echefu’s suit to stop police probe

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Telcom Satellite Television Service (TSTV), Dr Bright Echefu seeking to stop the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from investigating him on an alleged N2 billion fraud. Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday dismissed the application for […]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Telcom Satellite Television Service (TSTV), Dr Bright Echefu seeking to stop the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from investigating him on an alleged N2 billion fraud.

Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday dismissed the application for being frivolous and lacking in merit as the police has the powers of investigation under Section 4 of the Police Act.

In a judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/234/2024, the judge held that it was wrong of the TSTV CEO to seek court protection to shield himself from being probed over a petition against him on alleged stealing and misappropriation of the sum of N2 billion investment fund into TSTV.

Former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) had in his petition accused Echefu of alleged fraud in the N2 billion investment fund into TSTV.

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However, upon his summon by police for explanation into the allegations against him, Echefu approached a Federal High Court asking  for an order to prohibit the Inspector General of Police and his agents from looking into the allegations.

He also sought an order against the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Force Bureau of Criminal Investigation from investigation into the finances of TSTV under his watch.

The grouse of Echefu was that Kabiru Turaki’s N2bn investment fund was a civil transaction and that police have no power under any known laws to investigate such transactions.

Specifically, the TSTV CEO kicked against police invitation to him on the ground that police cannot act as debt recovery agent for the former minister.