Reps want probe of alleged N50bn corruption, asset stripping in Nigeria Police

Date:

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on thursday called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following damning allegations of systemic corruption, abuse of office, and illegal sale of national security assets.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Hon. Ibe Okwarra Osunwa, Hon. Mark Esset, and Hon. Jafaru Leko, during plenary.

The lawmakers expressed grave concern that unchecked misconduct within the Police Force could threaten the nation’s security framework and erode public trust.

Raising the motion on the floor, Hon. Osunwa noted that the primary mandate of the Nigeria Police, as enshrined in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), includes the protection of lives and property and the enforcement of laws.

He, however, lamented that “recent revelations indicate that this mandate is being grossly undermined by entrenched corruption and abuse of process within the Force.”

According to Osunwa, investigative reports, including those by Peoples Gazette and other media platforms, revealed that the NPF’s Procurement Department allegedly split a N6 billion contract for police uniforms into 66 separate contracts to bypass the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Equally disturbing, lawmakers said, is the alleged sale of key national assets—including the Garki Police Barracks in Abuja, Falomo Barracks in Lagos, and Bompai Barracks in Kano—to private individuals linked to a real estate company, Exima Realty Ltd. These transactions reportedly occurred without approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, or the Federal Executive Council.

READ MORE  Breaking: 2 dead in road crash involving Anthony Joshua

“This is not just a breach of financial procedures, it is a direct sabotage of our national security architecture, If barracks meant to house our security personnel are sold off without due process, where then lies our preparedness to fight crime?” Esset added.

The lawmakers also cited instances of alleged contract fraud under the 2024 budget cycle, naming companies such as Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltd., and Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd. as beneficiaries of irregular awards running into tens of billions of naira.

They further alleged that over N2.9 billion earmarked for the Safe School Initiative was diverted under a contract with Vigiscope Ltd., which lacked required regulatory certifications.

More alarming, the House heard, are claims that more than N50 billion was disbursed to unverified companies—including PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services—for the supply of arms, boots, and forensic equipment, most of which were allegedly never delivered.

READ MORE  Court Overrules Sowore's Lawyer in Suit Against DSS, Meta

“Disturbed by the reported sale of critical national security assets including Garki Police Barracks (Abuja), Falomo Police Barracks (Lagos), and Bompai Barracks (Kano) to private individuals closely linked to Exima Realty Company Ltd. Without due process or required approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Police Affairs, ar the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and in total disregard for the PPP.

“Various contracts under the 2024 budget running into tens of billions ‘ Waira have allegedly been awarded by the Nigeria Police Force without compliance with statutory procurement processes, including the Federal Executive, Counc approval, Ministerial Tenders Board> vetting, and Bureau of Public précdrement (BPP) no-objection certification; the Companies involved in these alleged violations include Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltg., ontract Technologies Ltd., Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd., among others.

“Worried about reports of the diversion Of N2.9 billion meant for the Safe School Initiative under a contract awarded to Vigiscope Ltd., despite failing to meet Statutory requirements such as obtaining a NITDA certificate as mandated for all IcT-related procurements in MDAs;

READ MORE  Breaking News: INEC Recognizes Omoaje as Action Alliance National Chairman

“Further Worried about credible allegations that several contracts amounting to over #50 billion were paid to unqualified and unverified companies for-the supply of arms, boots, gunboats, and forensic intelligence equipment, without any execution or delivery, thereby putting national security at risk. These companies include PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., Value Exchange Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services, among others.

“These revelations suggest a deeply rooted culture of impunity and deliberate sabotage of procurement and oversight mechanisms within the Police Force,” Hon. Jafaru Leko said.

The House unanimously resolved to mandate its Committees on Public Accounts and Procurement to launch an in-depth investigation into the NPF’s procurement practices, with particular focus on violations of financial laws, contract fraud, illegal asset sales, and diversion of funds.

The committee is expected to report its findings to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.

Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

China’s zero-tariff offer, opportunity for Nigeria to diversify export, increase production – Agric Minister

By Ochiaka Ugwu Nigerian Minister of State for Agriculture and...

SMEDAN launches programme to support 100k young entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria...

50 players to battle for ABT football academy scouting slots in Kaduna

By Anan Geolengs No fewer than 50 young...

Kebbi Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Desecration of Holy Qur’an 

Kebbi Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Desecration of Holy...