IPOA Official Summoned Over Alleged Misuse of OCS Talaam’s Phone in Extortion Scheme

A dramatic twist has unfolded in the ongoing investigation into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, with a Nairobi court summoning a senior official from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to explain how a mobile phone belonging to detained Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam was allegedly used to solicit money from the public while in IPOA custody.

Milimani Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered Senior Assistant Director of Investigations Abdirahman Jibril to appear in court on Friday, June 20, 2025, to address allegations that Talaam’s confiscated phone was used to send fraudulent messages. The development has raised serious questions about the integrity of evidence handling within IPOA, particularly in a high-profile case that has already sparked national outrage over police misconduct.

The controversy came to light during a court session on June 18, 2025, when Talaam’s defense team, led by prominent lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, revealed that messages requesting money had been sent from Talaam’s phone number, 0722919880, despite the device being in IPOA’s possession. Among the reported recipients was Ombeta himself, who received a message on June 17, 2025, at around 9 p.m., requesting KSh 80,000 to address a “dire financial need” on behalf of Talaam. Additionally, a relative of the OCS reportedly received a similar message requesting KSh 25,000.

“Your Honour, we have credible evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Cliff Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money. The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help,” Omari told the court, describing the incident as a “fraud of the worst order.” He further questioned how a phone, supposedly secured as evidence in the murder investigation of Albert Ojwang, could be accessed and used to defraud the public.

The defense team demanded that IPOA commissioners and Jibril appear in court to clarify the breach, arguing that the incident undermines the credibility of the investigation. “The integrity of constitutional offices must not be put into question,” Magistrate Ekhubi stated, ordering Jibril’s appearance to address the allegations.

IPOA’s counsel, Christine Owiti, countered the allegations, asserting that Talaam’s phone was securely stored at IPOA offices and undergoing forensic examination. “Jibril has confirmed that Talaam’s cellphone was switched off when it was taken away from him and is being kept safely at the IPOA offices,” Owiti told the court. She further suggested that suspects might have cloned Talaam’s phone, allowing messages to be sent from a different device using the same number.

However, the defense dismissed these claims, with Omari emphasizing that IPOA, as the custodian of the phone, must explain how such a breach occurred. “We shall be seeking that the commissioners of IPOA be summoned to this court to explain how the phone in their custody can be used to defraud Kenyans,” he stated, noting the difficulty the defense faced in securing access to the phone as evidence of their cooperation.

The court has directed that the matter be reported to Lang’ata Police Station for further investigation, with IPOA expected to provide a statement on the alleged misuse of the device.

The allegations surrounding Talaam’s phone add a new layer of complexity to an already contentious case. OCS Samson Talaam was arrested on June 13, 2025, in Eldoret by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers and handed over to IPOA in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, who died in custody at Central Police Station on June 7, 2025. A post-mortem conducted on June 10 revealed that Ojwang succumbed to head injuries caused by blunt force trauma, neck compression, and widespread bruising, contradicting initial police claims that he died in hospital.

IPOA’s investigation has uncovered evidence of an attempted cover-up, including tampering with CCTV footage at Central Police Station. The DVR’s power cable was found disconnected, and storage discs were reformatted hours before Ojwang’s death was reported. Talaam, as the custodian of station records and CCTV systems, is alleged to have hired a technician to interfere with the surveillance footage, prompting IPOA to seek his detention for 21 days to prevent further interference with witnesses or evidence.

On June 18, Magistrate Ekhubi ordered Talaam’s detention for 15 days, citing his senior position and potential to influence the investigation. The court also noted the “blue code” phenomenon within police ranks, which could shield Talaam from accountability. Alongside Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana and Deputy OCS Samuel Ng’ang’a have been arraigned, with Mukhwana implicating Talaam and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat in the assault on Ojwang.

The case has ignited widespread public anger, with protests erupting in Nairobi over Ojwang’s death and broader concerns about police brutality. IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that 20 police officers, including Ng’ang’a, have recorded statements, and four civilians, including a technician accused of tampering with CCTV footage, are also in custody. The authority has vowed that “there will be no sacred cows” in the pursuit of justice.

The allegations of Talaam’s phone being used for extortion while in IPOA custody have further eroded public trust in the oversight body. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with reactions, with users expressing shock and demanding accountability. “IPOA Under Fire: OCS Talaam’s Phone Used to Extort Public While in Their Custody,” posted @CourtHelicopter on June 18, 2025, capturing the public’s disbelief.

As Jibril prepares to appear before the court on June 20, 2025, all eyes will be on IPOA to provide a credible explanation for the alleged misuse of Talaam’s phone. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for the integrity of the investigation into Ojwang’s death and IPOA’s reputation as a watchdog of police conduct.

The court is expected to revisit Talaam’s detention on July 3, 2025, with IPOA and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) working to finalize their investigation by early next week. Meanwhile, the public continues to demand answers, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder in the wake of these disturbing revelations.