The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has come under intense scrutiny after explosive courtroom revelations emerged indicating that a mobile phone belonging to a OCS Samson Taalam under investigation for murder and currently in IPOA custody, is being used to defraud members of the public.
The phone in question belongs to Chief Inspector Talaam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, who is at the center of a murder probe following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.
Details of the alleged misuse of the phone came to light on Wednesday, June 18, during a dramatic court session at Milimani Law Courts.
The defence team, led by lawyer Danstan Omari, claimed that individuals have received fraudulent messages from Talaam’s number despite the device being in the custody of IPOA for forensic investigation.
“Your Honour, we have credible evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Cliff Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money,” Omari told the court.
“Mr Ombeta was asked for Sh80,000 by an unidentified caller using the OCS Talaam phone. The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help.”
According to Omari, the scam appears widespread, with even Talaam’s family members reportedly receiving emotionally distressing messages from the same number a device supposedly under lock and key within IPOA’s evidence chain.
“This is a serious issue,” Omari pressed. “IPOA commissioners are the custodians of that phone and the corresponding passwords. If that phone is being used to swindle Kenyans while under IPOA’s watch, then someone must be held accountable. We are asking this court to summon the commissioners themselves.”
In response to the explosive allegations, Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered Abdirahman Jibril, IPOA’s Senior Assistant Director of Investigations, to appear in court to explain how the device was misused while under the authority’s control.
“These are grave allegations. The integrity of constitutional offices must not be put into question,” Ekhubi stated.
“Mr. Jibril must appear before this court to explain how a phone in IPOA’s custody could be used in such a manner.”
The magistrate stressed the importance of transparency and accountability from independent bodies tasked with overseeing police conduct, particularly in a case involving possible extrajudicial killing.
“This country was confronted with its credible and reprehensible scene following the margrave torture that took place… The court must act to aggrandize, not diminish, the personal liberties of arrested individuals, but not at the expense of the integrity of justice,” Ekhubi emphasized.
Outside the courtroom, lawyer Cliff Ombeta confirmed to reporters that he indeed received a suspicious fundraising request from the very number linked to his client, Chief Inspector Talaam.
“I was shocked. I know the probe is ongoing on the phones of my client the OCS, but when I received a message asking for Sh80,000 to help ‘rescue’ the OCS, I knew something was very wrong. That number should not be in use, let alone for fraud,” Ombeta said.
Omari further noted that the defence had not opposed IPOA’s original application to seize the phone, expressing regret that the authority may have violated the trust granted by the court.
“It was a spirited fight by IPOA to get access to that phone. We did not object because we respect IPOA’s role. But if that trust has been abused, then the leadership must explain.”
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through prosecutor Victor Owiti, is expected to respond to the allegations in court on Friday, when Mr. Jibril is also scheduled to appear.
Meanwhile, the case at the heart of this saga continues to unfold. OCS Talaam and his deputy, Samuel Ng’ang’a, were both ordered to remain in custody as investigations into the June 8, 2025, death of Albert Ojwang’ continue.
A post-mortem revealed that Ojwang died from blunt head trauma, neck compression, and extensive bruising, injuries consistent with torture.
Magistrate Ekhubi granted IPOA a 15-day extension to detain Talaam at Lang’ata Police Station, rejecting a request for 21 days but affirming the legal grounds for continued pre-charge detention under Article 49(1)(f) of the Constitution.
“I find that the prosecution had demonstrated compelling reasons to justify Talaam’s continued detention without bail pending ongoing investigations,” Ekhubi ruled.
Simultaneously, Magistrate Gideon Kiage ordered Deputy OCS Ng’ang’a held for 14 days at Muthaiga Police Station.
IPOA’s investigators alleged that Talaam attempted to tamper with evidence, including CCTV footage, and directed subordinates to falsify official records.
“The respondent and co-conspirators allegedly engaged a technician to interfere with surveillance systems to tamper with evidence,” IPOA lead investigator Abdirahman Jibril stated in an affidavit.
The magistrate agreed, noting the risk of witness interference and the suspect’s influence over officers who may be key to the case.
“The respondent is the officer commanding the station and, by virtue of his position, is capable of intimidating or influencing subordinates whose testimonies are vital to the case,” Ekhubi said.
“There is credible suspicion that the respondent was involved in directing the falsification of occurrence book entries and interference with CCTV systems to obstruct justice.”
Ojwang’s death has triggered public protests and widespread anger across the country, further fueling calls for accountability within the police force.
The magistrate noted the threat to public peace if Talaam were released.
“The murder has elicited widespread anger and public demonstrations. Releasing the respondent could endanger him and escalate tensions.”
The court underscored the systemic nature of the alleged crime, hinting at a wider conspiracy within the force.
“This case implicates what the prosecution calls the ‘blue code of silence’. Continued detention is necessary to shield the investigation from internal sabotage,” Ekhubi said.
While the defence insisted that Talaam had cooperated with authorities and voluntarily surrendered, the court found that the seriousness of the offence,potentially a capital charge, created a real risk of flight.
“The weight of the charge, potentially capital in nature, cannot be discounted in assessing risk of absconding,” Ekhubi added.
Despite arguments by the defence that Talaam’s interdiction from police duties and absence of formal charges should warrant his release, the court ruled that bail is a constitutional right, but not an absolute one.
“The state has acted in good faith and balanced the respondent’s liberty with public interest, order, and the rights of the deceased’s family,” the magistrate said.
Talaam’s next court mention is scheduled for July 1, 2025.
