Controversy erupts over N100m payment to ex-IGP’s son, Soludo’s aide rejects allegations

There is growing outrage among citizens of Anambra State following allegations that the sum of N100 million was transferred from an Anambra State Government account into the bank account of Victor Egbetokun, reportedly the son of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Reports by Sahara Reporters claimed that the funds were transferred in four separate tranches of N25 million each.

During a live television interview, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, reportedly acknowledged the development, stating that the former IGP’s son confirmed receipt of the funds.

According to him, the recipient was advised to contact his account officer to reverse the transaction, which was subsequently done.

Despite confirmation that the funds were returned, the revelation has unsettled many residents of the state, raising questions about public finance management under Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Some citizens have expressed disbelief that such a significant amount could be transferred in error, arguing that the funds could have mistakenly gone into any number of accounts across the country rather than that of a high-profile security chief’s son, who reportedly has no direct business ties to the state government.

READ ALSO: Former IGP Egbetokun ‘created more enemies’ for Tinubu –Deji Adeyanju

As debate over the issue intensifies across social and traditional media platforms, public affairs analyst and government critic Kingsley Ubani questioned the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

“The question is how did the money get there? Out of the 36 states of the federation, it had to be Anambra State — a state managed by an acclaimed Professor of Economics — that N100 million will ‘miss road’ and the state government failed to quietly retrieve it until it became public discourse?” Ubani said.

He further queried who authorised the transfer and why, adding that if N100 million could be moved in error without immediate detection, it raises concerns about possible past transactions that may have gone unnoticed.

Another Anambra indigene, Mr. Peter Ndukaike, described the development as troubling, particularly in light of the governor’s reputation for financial prudence.

“To me, what is worrisome is that the Anambra State Governor and his government have refused to comment on the matter since it broke. I think they are looking for a way to suppress it, or simply wish that their silence will make it die a natural death,” he said.

He added that the situation calls for transparency to reassure citizens about the safety of public funds.

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo also weighed in on the controversy in a Facebook post, questioning how an alleged erroneous transfer of such magnitude landed in the account of the son of the country’s top internal security official rather than that of any other Nigerian.

His comments further amplified public debate, with many calling for a clearer explanation of the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

READ ALSO: Police dismiss allegations over N100m transfer to IGP’s son, describe payment as Banking error

Responding to the allegations, the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, denied that the transfer originated from the Anambra State Government.

“I don’t know why people are making a big deal out of something that has long been settled. The Anambra State Government has no hand in the transfer. It was an honest error and has already been reversed. This thing happened months back and has been settled,” Aburime stated.

He maintained that even though an error occurred, it was not committed by the state government. He also reaffirmed Governor Soludo’s reputation as a prudent financial manager, insisting that the administration does not handle public funds recklessly.

According to him, the matter had been resolved months ago following the reversal of the funds and should not be linked to the Anambra State Government.

While the funds have reportedly been refunded, the controversy continues to generate debate across the state.

Analysts say the issue underscores the importance of strong internal financial controls, transparency in public fund management, and timely official communication to prevent erosion of public trust.