Shina Philips Speaks on Alleged Diversion of Police Conference Funds
- Lenders Consult denies allegations of misusing funds for Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat
- Company explains its role in organizing annual police retreat since 2019 and seeking sponsorships
- Dr. Shina Philips emphasizes commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police through various initiatives
Lenders Consult International Limited has denied allegations that funds meant for the Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers were diverted, stating that neither the company nor its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Shina Philips, received or misused any money linked to the event.
The firm made the clarification in response to a report published on 3 March 2026 by an online platform which alleged that funds meant for the police conference had been diverted.
Source: Original
Company rejects allegation of fund diversion
In a statement, the company described the allegation as false and said the report did not include its response before publication.
Lenders Consult maintained that it had not received any financial support from the Nigeria Police Force for the organisation of the conference and retreat.
“We would like to state very strongly that we have never, at any time, received any money by way of funding from the Nigerian Police for the sponsorship of the event,” the statement said.
“For the sake of emphasis, we restate that Lenders Consult International, our MD/CEO, and any member of our staff, have at no time received any money from the Nigeria Police, nor have they ever shared any purported loot with retired IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, any past Inspector-General of Police, or Force Public Relations Officer.”
Firm explains role in organising police retreat
The company explained that it initiated the idea of the annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers as part of efforts to support capacity building within the police.
According to the statement, the programme brings together senior officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above to discuss policing strategies and share ideas on security challenges.
“Arising from our desire to support the Nigeria Police in their capacity-building efforts, we approached the police authorities with a proposal to organize an annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers,” the company stated.
“Our proposal included an obligation that, as initiators, Lenders Consult International would be responsible for approaching potential sponsors to fund the retreat. This arrangement was well-received and approved from the outset. This arrangement is official and has been in place since 2019.”
Previous editions of the conference
Lenders Consult said the first edition of the conference was held in 2019, with the Lagos State Government serving as the host sponsor.
The event, according to the company, was declared open by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Subsequent editions were later organised in Uyo, Owerri and Abeokuta.
“We kicked off the maiden edition in 2019 with the Lagos State Government as the host sponsor. The event was declared open by His Excellency, late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, represented by His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON, the then Vice-President,” the statement added.
Firm highlights support for police initiatives
The company also noted that the conference had contributed to discussions around reforms within the police force, including the establishment of the Police Institute in Abuja.
It further stated that it later proposed the introduction of an annual Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations to recognise outstanding officers.
According to the statement, two editions of the awards were held in 2024 and 2025 in Abuja, sponsored by Lenders Consult and its partners.
Philips speaks on relationship with police
The firm added that Dr Shina Philips, a FIFA-licensed football agent, has maintained professional relationships with senior police officers through several projects.
It said Philips was appointed a consultant to the police in 2020 to coordinate activities for Police Week 2020, which was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In recognition of his commitment, he was appointed a Consultant to the Police in 2020 and tasked with serving as the sole consultant for the Police Week 2020, which was sadly aborted by COVID-19,” the statement said.
The company also said some official trips undertaken by Philips alongside the immediate past Inspector-General of Police were self-funded.
Reaffirming its position, Lenders Consult described itself as a responsible corporate organisation committed to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Legit.ng
