NAIROBI, Kenya – A senior official at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been summoned to appear in court on Friday to address serious allegations that a mobile phone in IPOA custody has been used to extort money from the public.
Senior Assistant Director of Investigations Abdirahman Jibril was ordered to appear in person by Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi following concerns raised by lawyers representing Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Talaam is currently under investigation in connection with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang and has been remanded for 15 days pending further inquiries.
During Thursday’s court session, Talaam’s lead counsel Danstan Omari claimed that the officer’s personal phone — which is in IPOA’s possession as part of the ongoing probe — had been used inappropriately to solicit money.
“Your Honour, we have evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Cliff Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money. Ombeta was asked for Sh80,000 by someone pretending to raise funds for the OCS,” Omari told the court.
Omari further alleged that the fraudulent messages appeared to be part of a broader extortion scheme.
Family members of the embattled officer also reported receiving suspicious and distressing texts from the same number, raising questions about the security of evidence held by IPOA investigators.
“This is a serious issue. IPOA commissioners are the custodians of that phone and the corresponding passwords. If it is being used to swindle Kenyans while under IPOA’s watch, then someone must be held accountable,” he added.
In response, Magistrate Ekhubi said the matter raised significant accountability concerns and emphasized the need for transparency from oversight bodies entrusted with sensitive investigations.
He directed Jibril, the senior IPOA investigator, to appear in court and explain how a phone meant to be under secure custody could allegedly be used for criminal activities.
The summons adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding saga around the death of Albert Ojwang, whose case has ignited nationwide protests and calls for justice and police reform.
Talaam is one of several officers being investigated for their alleged role in the blogger’s arrest, detention, and subsequent death in custody.
IPOA has yet to issue a public statement regarding the extortion allegations.
Meanwhile, the Independent Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and other agencies continue to investigate police conduct surrounding Ojwang’s case, as public pressure intensifies.
