Court orders DCI to probe use of Talaam’s phone to solicit money while in IPOA custody
Lawyer Danstan Omari told Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi that since the complaint was raised, Talaam’s phone had stopped sending suspicious messages.
A Nairobi court has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate allegations raised by lawyers representing Nairobi OCS Samson Talaam, claiming that his mobile phone was used to solicit money from members of the public.
Talaam is under investigation in connection with the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang and was remanded for 15 days. His phone is currently in the custody of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
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Lawyer Danstan Omari told Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi that since the complaint was raised, Talaam’s phone had stopped sending suspicious messages.
“Your Honour, we would like the matter investigated by the DCI, even though after raising the issue here in court, the messages ceased,” the court was told.
The magistrate noted that it is the DCI’s mandate to investigate such allegations and compile a report.
“I hereby direct the DCI to investigate the allegations raised by the defence team regarding the suspect’s phone number being used to solicit money,” the magistrate said.
The matter will be mentioned on July 1.
On Wednesday, IPOA’s Senior Assistant Director of Investigations, Abdirahman Jibril, was summoned to appear in court on Friday to shed light on claims of misconduct involving extortion through a mobile phone belonging to Talaam.
Magistrate Ekhubi issued the directive during a court session following concerns raised by defence lawyers representing the OCS at Central Police Station, Nairobi.
The lawyers alleged that Talaam's phone, currently in IPOA’s custody, had been inappropriately used to solicit money from members of the public.
“Your Honour, we have evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Cliff Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money. Ombeta was asked for Sh80,000 by an unidentified caller using the OCS’s phone. The device is being used to fundraise under claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial assistance,” Omari told the court.
He further claimed that the fraudulent messages appear to be part of a wider scheme, with family members of the OCS also reporting distressing messages from the same number, which should be securely stored under IPOA's supervision.
“This is a serious issue. IPOA commissioners are the custodians of that phone and the corresponding passwords. If the phone is being used to swindle Kenyans while under IPOA’s watch, then someone must be held accountable. We are requesting this court to summon the commissioners themselves,” Omari urged.
Magistrate Ekhubi responded by ordering Mr Jibril to appear in person to provide an explanation regarding the phone’s custody and the alleged breach.
The magistrate emphasised the seriousness of the claims and highlighted the need for transparency and accountability from oversight institutions.
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