NBI denies new kidnap, extortion claim

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation denied yesterday allegations that its agents and a former official are involved in another case of kidnapping and extortion, two months after the dismissal of NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula.

NBI Reaction Arrest and Interdiction Division (RAID) chief Jonathan Ross Galicia belied allegations by Alma Valencia Yamaguchi that at least 15 men from his unit barged into her office to arrest Nigerian Dickson Akinbode for a still undetermined case on March 16, 2011. She said they also took valuables and money from her.

He said Akinbode was caught allegedly in the act of selling fake plane tickets and recruiting people to travel abroad as drug mules. He said Akinbode was properly charged and the case is still pending with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Yamaguchi also accused former NBI anti-graft division chief Allan Contado, now a private lawyer, of asking her to pay P150,000 in exchange for the dismissal of the case filed before the DOJ against Akinbode.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered a preliminary investigation of Yamaguchi’s complaint.

Contado denied Yamaguchi’s allegation, saying he does not know her. He said he they have a common friend, Jean Asadon, who has a Nigerian partner. He and Galicia said Yamaguchi is allegedly Akinbode’s partner.