Reps launch probe into ₦50bn corruption, asset sales in police force

The House of Representatives has launched a sweeping investigation into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over alleged systemic corruption, contract fraud amounting to ₦50 billion, abuse of office, and illegal sale of critical national security assets.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, jointly sponsored by lawmakers Ibe Okwarra Osunwa, Mark Esset, and Jafaru Leko, during Thursday’s plenary session.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Osunwa raised alarm over “credible allegations” that billions in public funds were paid to unverified and unqualified companies for the supply of arms, uniforms, gunboats, and intelligence equipment — most of which were never delivered, posing a serious threat to national security.

According to the lawmakers, companies such as PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., Value Exchange Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services were awarded contracts without due diligence, violating procurement laws and bypassing internal oversight mechanisms.

In one instance, the NPF Procurement Department reportedly awarded Crown Natures Nigeria Ltd. a ₦6 billion contract for police uniforms, allegedly split into 66 separate contracts to sidestep the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The lawmakers also expressed concern over the unauthorized sale of strategic police barracks in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano — including Garki, Falomo, and Bompai barracks — to private individuals allegedly connected to Exima Realty Company Ltd., without necessary approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Police Affairs, or the Federal Executive Council.

Further allegations include the awarding of multi-billion-naira contracts under the 2024 budget to firms like Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltd., Contract Technologies Ltd., and Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd., all allegedly done without BPP certification, FEC approval, or proper vetting by the Ministerial Tenders Board.

Another point of concern is the reported diversion of ₦2.9 billion earmarked for the Safe School Initiative, allegedly funneled through Vigiscope Ltd., which failed to meet statutory ICT procurement standards, including a mandatory NITDA certification.

The House warned that unchecked financial misconduct within the police could severely damage public trust and undermine the Force’s operational integrity and national security mission.

In response, the House mandated its Committees on Public Accounts and Public Procurement to conduct a thorough investigation into the NPF’s procurement activities, focusing on contract fraud, financial violations, illegal asset sales, and potential sabotage of internal security systems.