The Media Rights Advocacy Centre (MRAC) has dismissed a report against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing it as reckless and baseless.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Director, Dr. Yomi Ajilore, MRAC said the report was false in its entirety and part of a well-funded campaign of calumny against the IGP.

According to MRAC, the report falsely alleged that the IGP awarded a N6 billion contract for police uniforms to a supposedly inactive firm lacking the appropriate Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and tax records.

However, MRAC stated that the company in question, Crown Natures Nigeria Plc, is a fully registered Nigerian business entity with a verifiable and reputable track record.

The group noted that Crown Natures Nigeria Plc has been engaged in the legitimate manufacturing of textiles and garments, including security uniforms, for nearly two decades, and operates a state-of-the-art facility within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

MRAC also stated that verified records from relevant regulatory bodies, including the BPP and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), confirm the full compliance of Crown Natures Nigeria Plc with all statutory requirements.

MRAC condemned the report as an act of blackmail and character assassination, and urged Nigerians to be vigilant and discerning in consuming content from platforms that have repeatedly sacrificed truth at the altar of personal vendetta and political bitterness.

The group also called on the IGP not to be distracted by these desperate tactics, noting that Nigerians recognize and appreciate the transformation and professionalism he has brought to policing in the nation.

The statement reads: “The Media Rights Advocacy Centre unequivocally condemns this act of blackmail and character assassination, and we urge Nigerians to be vigilant and discerning in consuming content from platforms that have repeatedly sacrificed truth at the altar of personal vendetta and political bitterness.

“We equally call on the Inspector General of Police not to be distracted by these desperate tactics. Nigerians recognize and appreciate the transformation and professionalism he has brought to policing in our nation.

“We remain committed to defending the truth, upholding media integrity, and standing against the weaponization of the press for selfish, destructive ends.”