The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into multiple allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Police Force, including unauthorised asset sales, contract splitting, and the diversion of public funds.
This move followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Abia lawmaker Ibe Osunwa and three others during Thursday, June 26, plenary.
Osunwa warned that ongoing scandals were damaging the police force’s credibility and compromising national security.
“The House is concerned that recent allegations of abuse of office, lack of due process and corruption in the Nigeria Police Force threaten the credibility, operational efficiency, and national security objectives of the Force,” he said.
Osunwa cited media reports that the NPF Procurement Department allegedly split a ₦6 billion uniform contract into 66 smaller contracts to bypass the Public Procurement Act, 2007. The contract was reportedly awarded to Crown Natures Nigeria Limited.
He also raised alarm over the sale of key police barracks in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano to individuals linked to Exima Realty Company Ltd.
According to him, this was done “without due process or required approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Police Affairs, the Federal Executive Council and in total disregard for the Public Private Procurement.”
READ ALSO: Reps Panel Raises Alarm Over Missing ₦250bn in Public Funds
Osunwa further alleged that contracts under the 2024 budget worth tens of billions were awarded without proper vetting or clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Companies named in the allegations include Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltd., Contract Technologies Ltd., and Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd.
He revealed that ₦2.9 billion earmarked for the Safe School Initiative was allegedly diverted 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 Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” he said.
The lawmaker also said that over ₦50 billion worth of contracts were paid to companies with no proof of delivery or performance.
These contracts covered arms, gunboats, boots, and forensic intelligence tools. Firms mentioned include PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., Value Exchange Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services.
“These acts of impunity and financial misconduct could erode public confidence in the Police Force and sabotage national security and development efforts,” Osunwa said.
The House directed its Committees on Public Assets and Procurement to carry out a comprehensive investigation and report back within six weeks.