IPOA investigator summoned to explain how Talaam’s phone was allegedly used to solicit money

Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Assistant Director for Investigations Abdirahman Jibril is expected in court tomorrow to explain how the phone of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam is being used to solicit funds from unsuspecting members of the public.

Lawyers representing the OCS have demanded to know how the phone, which is with the investigating Authority, sent a message to lawyer Cliff Ombeta and a family member of the OCS demanding money.

Defence lawyer Danstan Omari said that the person using the OCS’ device requested Sh80,000 from lawyer Cliff Ombeta.

He added that the operator of the device even called for a fundraising claiming Talaam was in a problem.

“That phone number has been sending messages soliciting money. Among the victims is Cliff Ombeta, who has been asked for Sh80,000, and family members who are here. The phone is engaged in fundraising, claiming that the OCS is in a problem that requires money. This is a serious issue, that the commissioners of IPOA, who are in custody of the handset and the password, have allowed that phone and that contact to swindle citizens. We shall be seeking that the custodians of that phone be summoned to this court to explain how the phone in their custody can be used to defraud Kenyans,” Omari told the court.

However, the prosecutors defended themselves, saying the phone might have been tampered with before it was handed over to them.

The court yesterday directed that the investigator at IPOA should appear before the magistrate and explain the serious concerns raised by the defenders.

“It is a very sensitive matter that is before us. We should equally take it with the seriousness it deserves, so let’s have a mention where the lead investigating officer will come to court only to confirm,”  Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi directed.

Yesterday, the court ordered the continued detention of Taalam for 15 days to allow IPOA to complete its investigations.

Ekhubi ruled that the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to warrant the denial of bail.

In their request to continue holding Talaam, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) stated that the  OCS, who holds the rank of Chief Inspector and commands the largest police station in Kenya, has a wide network and could potentially interfere with investigations.

IPOA had applied for 21 days to complete investigations, but the court granted them 15 days.

The court noted that, with 29 years of service, he had established networks across the country and could potentially invoke the ‘blue code of silence’ to cover up.

“The blue code is a common phenomenon within police ranks – even in jurisdictions like the United States. His senior position and long-standing service in the force gave him access to a network capable of shielding him from accountability and influencing the investigation”, Ekhubi said.

He noted that the court will require specific proof of threats or attempts to interfere with witnesses, the prosecution had demonstrated such interference, including allegations that the crime scene and CCTV footage had been tampered with.