IGP Egbetokun Orders Probe of Kennedy Iyere over Alleged N113.5m Fraud
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the convener of the ‘40 Million Ballot Movement’ and founder of the ‘Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI),’ Comrade Kennedy Iyere, following petitions alleging criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence, cheating, and impersonation. The directive was issued after Valencia Hotels and several other alleged victims petitioned the police chief, accusing Iyere of defrauding them and describing him as “a serial fraudster.”
In a petition dated November 12, 2025, titled “Further Petition Against Iyere Kennedy Ebhenya for Criminal Breach of Trust, Obtaining by False Pretence, Cheating, and Impersonation – Additional Victims Discovered,” and submitted through their lawyers, Valen Legal Practitioners, the petitioners alleged that Iyere fraudulently obtained various sums totalling N113,508,757. Signed by Victor Adebayo Esq., the petition recalled an earlier report dated 23rd October 2025, already before the IGP-SIU, in which Iyere allegedly obtained ₦26,000,000 from Silver Green Hotel Limited under the false claim that he was a staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and that the government would sponsor a youth empowerment programme known as ‘YEIDEP.’
The petitioners stated that after the initial petition, more alleged victims emerged, exposing what they described as a consistent pattern of fraudulent schemes. The newly listed alleged victims and the amounts reportedly collected from them include: Mr. Clement Ignatius (₦6,300,000), Bishop (Dr.) Susan Great (₦1,600,000), Mr. Emeka Owuchelu Iche (₦46,000,000), Mr. Gbenga Okenla (₦1,500,000), Pastor Shadrack (₦18,000,000), Dr. Duru (₦12,000,000), Mr. Obinna Ukor (₦7,500,000), Mr. Aneke Everistus (₦3,015,900), Mr. Obinna Ifeandu (₦17,137,900), and Valencia Hotels (₦454,957). According to the petition, each of these individuals and establishments was allegedly deceived through similar misrepresentations, including false claims of government-backed projects and impersonation of officials from various Ministries and Departments.
The petitioners urged the IGP to thoroughly investigate the allegations, invite and interrogate Iyere, compel him to account for the funds allegedly obtained under false pretences, and prosecute him upon the conclusion of the investigation. They added that they were ready to submit receipts and other documentary evidence upon request, expressing confidence that the police would “bring this alleged serial fraudster to justice.”
Meanwhile, findings suggest that another alleged victim, identified simply as Sandra, reportedly recovered her money after involving the police. She was allegedly deceived with a promise of assistance to secure a government appointment. Iyere was said to have pleaded not to be charged to court and allegedly agreed to refund the money, but sources claim he was not granted bail until the repayment was completed, as he allegedly had no known residential address. A source close to the matter added: “Yes, he allegedly sweet-talked the lady and some others into believing he had government appointment slots to give. But it later turned out to be false.”
