A coalition of civil society organisations has strongly defended the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Margaret Agebe Ochalla, dismissing allegations against her published by and online newspaper as false and malicious.
In a press statement issued in Abuja, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice (CCSG-PSGEJ) described the report by Sahara Reporters as an “orchestrated campaign of misinformation” aimed at undermining the leadership of the Force CID.
The statement was signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, who reiterated the group’s commitment to supporting reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability within Nigeria’s policing system.
The group alleged that the timing of the publication, which coincided with the 2026 National Police Week, was deliberate and intended to distract the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Presidency from ongoing reforms within the police.
According to the coalition, since her appointment in March 2026, Ochalla has introduced reforms that have disrupted entrenched interests within the Force CID, including the dismantling of alleged “consultancy hubs” and the introduction of a merit-based case management system supported by digital tracking.
“These changes have effectively shut down avenues previously exploited by criminal syndicates and compromised actors,” the statement said, adding that the backlash was expected from those affected by the reforms.
The coalition criticised the reliance on anonymous sources in the Sahara Reporters publication, describing it as “ambiguous character assassination” lacking credibility. It maintained that Ochalla’s career trajectory reflects professionalism and discipline, noting her emergence as a trailblazer in a sensitive investigative role.
It further argued that targeting the DIG at a time when she is actively involved in coordinating high-level national policing activities amounts to an attempt to weaken morale within the police force.
The CCSG-PSGEJ also accused the online platform of promoting the agenda of disgruntled elements seeking to discredit the police leadership, warning that such narratives could erode public confidence in security institutions.
Reaffirming its support, the coalition announced the activation of a “digital press core” to counter what it described as misinformation and defend the integrity of the Force CID leadership.
“We will not allow a career built on decades of service to be undermined by unverified claims and digital propaganda,” the group stated.
