Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct Within the Nigeria Police Force Trigger Parliamentary Inquiry
The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a series of grave allegations of corruption and misconduct leveled against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). These allegations, ranging from the illegal disposal of national assets to the diversion of public funds and flagrant violations of procurement procedures, have raised serious concerns about the integrity, operational effectiveness, and national security implications of the police force. The House’s decision to launch this inquiry underscores the growing public apprehension surrounding these accusations and the urgent need to address the potential damage to public trust and national security.
The impetus for this investigation stemmed from a motion of urgent public importance presented by Representative Ibe Osunwa and three other lawmakers. The motion highlighted a disturbing pattern of alleged abuses of office, lack of due process, and corrupt practices within the NPF, potentially jeopardizing its core mandate of protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and upholding the rule of law. The allegations paint a troubling picture of financial irregularities, questionable procurement practices, and a disregard for established regulations, all of which have the potential to undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the police force.
One of the most concerning allegations revolves around the reported sale of strategically important national security assets. These include the Garki Police Barracks in Abuja, the Falomo Police Barracks in Lagos, and the Bompai Barracks in Kano. These properties were allegedly sold to private individuals with close ties to Exima Realty Company Ltd., bypassing established procedures and without the necessary approvals from relevant government bodies such as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Federal Executive Council. This alleged disregard for due process in the disposal of critical national assets raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the transactions.
Furthermore, the House is investigating allegations of significant procurement breaches within the NPF. One such allegation centers on a N6 billion contract awarded to Crown Natures Nigeria Limited. This contract, purportedly for the procurement of police uniforms, was allegedly fragmented into 66 smaller contracts in a deliberate attempt to circumvent the Public Procurement Act of 2007. This practice, known as contract splitting, raises red flags about potential corruption and the manipulation of procurement processes for personal gain. The House is also scrutinizing numerous contracts under the 2024 budget, totaling tens of billions of naira, which were allegedly awarded without adhering to statutory procurement protocols. This includes bypassing the Federal Executive Council’s approval, Ministerial Tenders Board vetting, and Bureau of Public Procurement no-objection certification.
The allegations extend to the alleged diversion of N2.9 billion earmarked for the Safe School Initiative, a program designed to enhance security in schools. This contract, awarded to Vigiscope Ltd., allegedly proceeded despite the company’s failure to meet mandatory requirements, such as obtaining a NITDA certificate for ICT-related procurements. This raises concerns about the integrity of the procurement process and the potential misuse of funds intended for a critical national security program.
Adding to the gravity of the situation are allegations involving contracts worth over N50 billion for the supply of essential police equipment, including arms, boots, gunboats, and forensic intelligence equipment. These contracts were allegedly awarded to unqualified and unverified companies, with no evidence of delivery or execution. This raises serious national security concerns, as the lack of proper equipment could severely hamper the police force’s ability to effectively combat crime and maintain order.
The House of Representatives has tasked its Committees on Public Assets and Procurement with conducting a thorough investigation into these allegations. They have been mandated to determine the extent of the procurement breaches, uncover the truth behind the asset sales, and investigate the alleged diversion of funds. The committees are expected to submit their findings within six weeks, providing the basis for further legislative action. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the NPF, potentially leading to significant reforms and accountability measures to address the alleged corruption and restore public trust. The House’s decisive action reflects its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective functioning of critical national institutions.
