A United Kingdom-based Nigerian businesswoman, Mrs. Dorcas Adeyinka, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to retract what she describes as false and defamatory allegations linking her to a murder case. She also demanded that those behind what she termed a "malicious petition" be brought to justice.

According to Adeyinka, the controversy arose following the death of a woman identified as Folusho, popularly known as Iya Ibeji, on April 9, 2024. She stated that contrary to widespread speculation, she had never met the deceased in person, clarifying that Iya Ibeji was merely a beneficiary of her foundation’s charity program.

“Iya Ibeji received monthly assistance comprising ₦80,000 worth of food items and ₦20,000 in cash through my foundation,” she explained.

Adeyinka emphasized that an official autopsy report confirmed that the deceased died of natural causes due to tuberculosis, and not foul play, as was falsely alleged online.

In a press statement released through her organization, the Dorcas Adeyinka Empowerment Foundation, the businesswoman urged the Nigeria Police to take decisive action against those responsible for the fabricated claims, and demanded a public retraction of the declaration labeling her as “wanted.”

She expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, but insisted that any investigation must be conducted by a neutral team, not units associated with ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, whom she accused of allegedly abusing police platforms including the Nigerian Police National Cyber Center (NCC) to persecute her.

“The situation escalated following the unfortunate death of Folusho, also known as Iya Ibeji, on April 9. Contrary to online rumors, I never met the deceased. She was only a beneficiary of my charitable outreach,” Adeyinka reiterated.

“Shortly after her death, false accusations began circulating online, linking me to her passing. I was later contacted on WhatsApp by individuals claiming to be from the IGP’s Monitoring Unit, informing me that I was under investigation for cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Shockingly, this evolved into a murder accusation without any credible evidence or due process.”

Adeyinka also alleged that her health concerns were ignored, even after her legal team notified the police of her condition and plans to respond officially. Matters reached a boiling point on May 12, 2024, when the Nigeria Police published her photo and declared her 'WANTED' for alleged murder, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and extortion on their official social media platforms.

“This declaration was made without proper investigation or regard for due process. It caused me immense emotional distress and reputational damage,” she said. “I voluntarily submitted myself and presented substantial documentation disproving all allegations. Under questioning, the complainant failed to provide any supporting evidence. Furthermore, the autopsy clearly ruled out foul play.”

Despite this, Adeyinka said the Police have yet to issue a public retraction or update the public based on the confirmed autopsy findings.

“Those who falsely alleged that I confessed to injecting the deceased have faced no consequences. I demand that the Nigeria Police Force retract their false declaration and restore my name and integrity,” the statement concluded.