Shina Philips Denies Misappropriation of Police Conference Funds

Lenders Consult International Limited has categorically denied accusations regarding the diversion of funds intended for the Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, labeling the assertions as incorrect and misleading.

The firm's Managing Director and CEO, Shina Philips, issued this clarification in a statement following an article published on March 3 by an online news outlet that claimed funds allocated for the conference were improperly handled.

According to Lenders Consult, the report omitted the firm’s perspective and falsely implied that it had received financial resources from the Nigeria Police Force for organizing the retreat.

The company expressed that it was the driving force behind the conference initiative, aiming to enhance capacity-building within the police force while taking full responsibility for securing sponsorship for the event.

Philips explained, “To support the Nigeria Police in their capacity enhancement endeavors, we presented a proposal for an annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, which would convene senior officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above to facilitate peer reviews and exchange of ideas.”

He further elaborated that the proposal included a commitment that Lenders Consult would seek out potential sponsors for the retreat's funding, an agreement that was positively received and endorsed from the beginning, remaining official since 2019.

The inaugural edition of the conference took place in 2019, hosted by the Lagos State Government, and was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Following editions were conducted in Uyo in February 2022, Owerri between 2022 and 2024, and Abeokuta in 2025.

The firm has emphasized that it has never accepted any funds from the Nigeria Police for the event organization.

Philips strongly stated, “At no point have we received any financial support from the Nigerian Police to sponsor the event. As a corporate entity, we have diligently worked to sustain the Conference and Retreat, even in times when sponsorship funds were insufficient to cover costs.”

He added, “For clarity, we affirm that neither Lenders Consult International, our MD/CEO, nor any of our staff have received any money from the Nigerian Police. Additionally, there has been no shared illicit gain with retired IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, or any prior Inspector-General of Police or Force Public Relations Officer.”

Lenders Consult announced its initiative to introduce annual Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations to honor exemplary officers within the force, mentioning that two editions of these awards were successfully held in Abuja in 2024 and 2025, fully sponsored by the firm and its partners.

Philips, who is also a FIFA-licensed football agent and founder of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, has maintained an ongoing collaborative relationship with the police through various supportive initiatives. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed as a consultant to the Police in 2020, assigned to oversee Police Week 2020, which was ultimately disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued his support without compensation, often funding his travels with the Inspector-General of Police.

The firm reiterated its commitment to support the Nigeria Police, emphasizing the importance of a transparent relationship with all stakeholders, including the media.