The Nigeria Police Force has concluded a two-day national leadership dialogue on the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement, identifying practical applications of AI in security operations and developing strategies for responsible adoption, as the force also recorded significant judicial successes including a court order for the permanent forfeiture of assets valued at over two billion naira linked to a financial sector fraud suspect.
Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu described the Second AI-POL Leadership Dialogue Workshop as timely and transformative, saying the discussions underscored the reality that artificial intelligence was already reshaping policing and security operations globally. A key feature of the workshop was a presentation based on outcomes from the 5th Global Meeting for AI and Law Enforcement, which identified Nigeria as a priority partner for the African AI Policing Pilot initiative.
On the judicial front, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted a permanent forfeiture order on May 14, 2026, for assets valued at over two billion naira linked to a financial sector employee, Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, and her associates in connection with fraud and money laundering charges. The forfeited assets were spread across Lagos, Osun, Delta states, and the Federal Capital Territory and included bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate properties. The principal suspect was held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre.
In a separate ruling on May 13, Justice Bello Kawu dismissed a 100 million naira Fundamental Rights Enforcement suit filed by a US-based suspect, David Imole Averehi, against the Nigeria Police and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of INTERPOL. The court held that it could not be used to obstruct the lawful statutory duties of the police or shield individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities from prosecution, clearing the way for the National Central Bureau to proceed with Averehi’s prosecution.
