Veteran Singer Uche Ibeto Alleges DIG Ben Okolo’s Abuse of Power in Land Grabbing Case

Veteran Nigerian singer, Uche Ibeto, popularly known as the “Jigida Queen,” has raised alarm over her illegal eviction and ongoing harassment, accusing Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Benjamin Okolo of abusing his office to shield suspects under police investigation.

Ibeto, who was evicted from her Surulere home in Lagos on August 15, 2025, said she has since been forced to squat from place to place, a situation that has worsened her health. She alleges a conspiracy involving her elder sister, land grabbers, corrupt police officers, and a compromised court process that has left her homeless.

According to her, immediately after she was thrown out of her residence, property developer Cecil Ezem Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa began demolition and illegal construction on the premises, even while tenants’ belongings remained locked inside their apartments and offices.

In a press statement issued in Lagos on September 20, 2025, the 70-year-old singer lamented her ordeal:“At my age, I should be enjoying the fruits of my labour as a senior citizen, but instead, I am moving from place to place, homeless and distressed,” she said.

She further alleged that DIG Ben Okolo, who hails from Onitsha and is reportedly an in-law to Cecil Osakwe, has been using his position to frustrate investigations into the fraud and forgery allegations pending at the AIG Zone 2 Command in Lagos.

Despite a September 10, 2025 police directive ordering all parties to stay away from the disputed property pending investigation, Ibeto said Victor Giwa, emboldened by Okolo’s backing, returned with thugs on September 18, 2025 to forcibly break into the premises.Ibeto also accused DIG Okolo of mounting pressure on investigators to release Victor Giwa, who is currently in lawful custody pursuant to a valid court order.

The Jigida Queen called on the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to urgently intervene and stop DIG Okolo from further interfering in the investigation, warning that his actions undermine justice and embolden suspected fraudsters.

Please read the full press statement from Ms. Uche Ibeto below for details on how DIG Ben Okolo has allegedly continued to obstruct investigations.