Court Summons IPOA Official Over Alleged Use of Murder Suspect’s Phone in Extortion Scam

A Nairobi court has summoned a top investigations official from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to respond to explosive claims that a mobile phone seized from a murder suspect is being used for extortion.
Abdirahman Jibril, IPOA’s Senior Assistant Director of Investigations, has been directed to appear in court on Friday to explain the handling of the phone, which belongs to OCS Samson Talaam—currently in remand over the alleged murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
The summons was issued by Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi after defence lawyers raised alarm that the phone, supposedly held securely by IPOA, had been used to solicit money from unsuspecting members of the public.
Defence lawyer Danstan Omari, representing Talaam, claimed the phone had been used to send fraudulent messages—including to prominent lawyer Cliff Ombeta—requesting funds under the pretense that Talaam needed urgent financial help.
“Your Honour, Mr. Ombeta received a message from that number asking for Sh80,000. Other members of the public and the OCS’s own family have also reported receiving distress messages,” Omari told the court. “That device is under IPOA’s custody, and yet it’s being used to con people. Someone must be held accountable.”
Omari further urged the court to summon IPOA commissioners, arguing that they are responsible for safeguarding such critical evidence, including passwords and access to the phone.
Magistrate Ekhubi expressed concern over the allegations and stressed the need for transparency and accountability from oversight institutions.
“These are serious claims involving an evidence-handling breach within a public watchdog agency. It warrants immediate explanation,” the magistrate said.
Jibril is now expected to clarify who had access to the device, how it was stored, and whether IPOA protocols were followed.
The case has heightened public interest, not only due to the ongoing murder investigation, but also because of growing scrutiny over the role and integrity of police oversight mechanisms in Kenya.