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Tag: Ibrahim Idris

  • Corruption allegations: IG urges court to stop Senate probe

    Corruption allegations: IG urges court to stop Senate probe

    The Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris has initiated a move to block his planned probe by the Senate over allegations of corruption and unethical conduct levelled against him by Senator Isa Misau.

    He has filed a suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to that effect.

    He listed the Senate and its president, Bukola Saraki, as respondents in the suit.

    The IG in the fundamental rights enforcement suit seeks, among others, an order restraining the committee set up by the Senate for the investigation of allegations against him, from hearing or taking a decision.

    Idris also wants the court to restrain the Senate President and the Senate from receiving and discussing any report submitted to it by the committee set up to probe the allegations.

    The IG, in a supporting affidavit, stated that one Senator Isa Misau, while raising a matter of urgent national importance between September and October 2017, accused him of mounting roadblocks across Nigeria with the purpose of extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.

    He added that the said senator, in the motion, also accused him of collecting illegal fees by way of security protections given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.

    Idris claimed that among others that Misau accused him of having “unwholesome relationship with female officers in the force”.

  • Corruption allegations: IGP wants court to stop his investigation

    Corruption allegations: IGP wants court to stop his investigation

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has initiated move to block his planned investigation by the Senate in relation to allegations of corruption and unethical conduct leveled against by Senator Isa Misau.

    He has filed a suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to that effect. He listed the Senate and its President, Bukola Saraki as respondents in the suit.

    The IGP, the fundamental rights enforcement suit, seeks among others, an order restraining the committee, set up by the senate for the investigation of allegations against him, from hearing or taking a decision.

    Idris also wants the court to restrain the Senate President and the entire Senate from receiving and discussing any report submitted to it by the committee set up to investigate the allegations against him.

    The IGP stated, in a supporting affidavit, that one Senator Isa Misau, while raising matter of urgent national importance between September and October, 2017 accused him of mounting road blocks across Nigeria with the purpose of extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.

    He added that the said Senator, in the motion, also accused him of collecting illegal fees by way of security protections given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.

    Idris claimed that Misau accused him of having “unwholesome relationship with female officers in the force.”

    The IGP stated that, “Without the 1st respondent having regard to the relevant constitutional requirements in respect of the 2nd respondent’s role in investigations of allegations, he (Saraki), in reaction to these frivolous allegations, quickly constituted a committee consisting of members of the 2nd respondent to look into the matter.”

  • Roofs over their heads

    Roofs over their heads

    With the delivery of the 312 units of flats at the Badagry Barracks, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has fulfilled his pledge to renovate all such facilities, writes PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU.

    Policemen and women live in the most deplorable conditions. Their barracks are usually eyesores; comprising near-collapsed buildings, dysfunctional sewage systems, water systems and dumping sites for waste.

    Reports have been made of policemen sleeping inside abandoned vehicles for lack of shelter while their families squatted with relatives at different locations.

    For many years, activists and environmentalists have decried the poor state of police barracks across the country.

    Although the police housing project began about eight years ago, only the Goodluck Jonathan Housing Estate, Idimu, comprising 500 units of three-bedroom apartments was delivered.

    But at assumption of duty, the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris declared that one of his focal points would be the provision of decent accommodation for officers and men of the force. He had decried the current practice where over 60 per cent of policemen resided outside the barracks, highlighting the dangers inherent in it.

    Despite paucity of funds, the police boss, who had vigorously embarked on renovation of training schools and barracks at Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states recently unveiled 312 units of two and three bedroom apartments out of the promised 1,083.

    Situated at Mowo in Badagry, the facility named Muhammadu Buhari Estate spans across 64 hectares and has provision for nursery and primary schools, mini-shopping complex, banks, events centre and a petrol station.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Police Co-operative, Shola David described the estate as a promise kept.

    He said the facility was dear to the IGP’s heart as a result of his resolve to improve the welfare of officers and men of the force.

    David said: “This is a remarkable day in the history of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Idris.  It is the first phase which has 312 units comprising three and two bedroom flats. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force have shown interest in the housing project. The same project has been embarked on in Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto and is being replicated here in Lagos.

    Executed by Realmax Realtors Limited, under Public Private Partnership (PPP), the first tranch was completed within eight months and built on buyer-owner basis.

    Idris, who also unveiled the newly constructed Mopol 22 Headquarters building in Ikeja reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of police officers.

    He said: “In my inaugural speech on July 22, last year, I said the Nigeria Police Force would be guided by international core values of policing with integrity and the rule of law. I also assured police personnel of my determination to accelerate all issues that concern the welfare of policemen and their families such as promotion, prompt payment of salaries and provision of affordable housing units, among others.

    “Those promises I pursued with zeal because of my firm belief that police officers deserve the support in terms of welfare and other logistics; given the nature of our job. In view of the above, my administration has sustained major result-oriented initiatives aimed at re-invigorating the police welfare system through police co-operative and insurance, which involved investments made by police personnel.

    “The product of this painstaking effort has culminated in the housing units named after the President, whose moral support has brought us this far. It is therefore with high sense of fulfilment, honour and gratitude that I inaugurate the Muhammadu Buhari Housing Estate Mowo, Badagry Lagos State in keeping with my promise to my hard working police officers across the country.

    “Recall that similar projects were inaugurated in other parts of the country such as Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and FCT while that of Enugu will begin soon. The welfare of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, especially the rank and file, is upmost for a more functional, proactive and effective police force.

    “I enjoin you to show more dedication to duty by applying best practices in your dealings with the civil populace and with total loyalty to our dear nation. I also thank the police co-operative society and our partners for making this dream a reality.”

    Remax Realtors’ Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adefunke Adesoji said: “We are pleased to commend the uncanny leadership qualities of the IGP for making today’s event a reality and finding time out of his busy schedules to inaugurate the project. We do appreciate your moral and financial supports at the most critical time since you came on board.

    “We see this not only as support to our organisation but rather your unflinching commitment to the welfare of the officers and men of the force by providing them with decent and affordable accommodation they can all be proud to call their own now and at retirement.

    “The amenities provided are modern, with water reticulation systems to provide water to the estate, a central sewage processing system and over 14 kilometres of paved road running through the estate.

    “Other facilities planned for the estate are nursery and primary schools, a mini-shopping complex with a banking facility, an event management centre and a petrol station.

    “The estate is planned over 64 hectares of land to give a befitting layout and ambience for a  21st Century development that would appreciate in value, particularly giving the intended commercial significance of Badagry as planned by Governor Akinwumi  Ambode and eventual completion of the 10-lane expressway under re-construction.

    “The construction of Muhammadu Buhari Estate threw up several challenges that led us to the drawing board on many occasions, including possible flooding challenge.

    “The project also suffered a major setback, having been caught at construction stage with massive foreign exchange devaluation.

    “For example, the exchange rate at contract signing was N156 to one dollar which rose and invariably hovered between N380 and N450 to one dollar at different points. This led to higher cost of building materials on both imported and local goods, thereby spiralling costs of construction at an astronomical rate.

    “We thank the Police Mortgage Bank Plc for providing further funds to meet the shortfalls at critical moment.

    “Our commitment to the IGP and the Police Multi-purpose Society Limited is that the delivery of other housing units would definitely be an improvement in timing and quality.”

  • Another storm against Buhari’s men

    Another storm last week gathered again against some key officials in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The two officials now in the eye of the storm are the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

    Despite one of the cardinal goal of the government being fighting corruption to a standstill, it is sad that the main issues against these two officials border on corruption.

    The lid was blown off the alleged irregularities and on-going mess in NNPC when a protest letter by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu addressed to the President, was leaked.

    The country is yet to fully recover from the massive looting that took place in the oil sector under the past administrations.

    While the prices of oil in the international market hovered over $100 per barrel under those administrations, observers noted that there was little to show in the country for the huge revenue.

    Rather than use the income to develop the country, Nigeria remained lacking in basic infrastructures while substantial parts of the income fraudulently found their ways into the private pockets of those in charge.

    The former Minister of Petroleum Resources under the last administration, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, is still facing one corrupt charge or the other in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Besides other allegations against the current GMD of NNPC, Kachikwu had last week specifically alleged in the letter that $25 billion contracts awarded by Baru didn’t follow due process.

    The letter, titled ‘Re: Matters of insubordination and lack of adherence to due process by the GMD NNPC – Dr. Baru,’ with reference number HMS/MPR/001/VOL.1/100 and dated August 30, 2017, reads in parts “Mr. President, yesterday (August 29, 2017) like many other Nigerians, l resumed work and confronted with many publications of massive changes within the NNPC.

    “Like the previous reorganisations and ‘repostings’ done since Dr. Baru resumed as GMD, I was never given the opportunity before the announcements to discuss these appointments.

    “This is so despite being the Minister of State, Petroleum, and Chairman, NNPC Board.

    “The board of NNPC, which you appointed and which has met every month since its inauguration, and which, by the NNPC, is meant to review these planned appointments and postings, was never briefed.

    “Members of the board learnt of these appointments from the pages of social media and the press release of NNPC.”

    Stressing that Baru ignored his earlier warnings to him, he said “Not only did he not give my letter the courtesy of a reply, he proceeded to announce the appointments without consultation on board concurrence.

    “Mr. President, please note that there is a board service committee, whose function is to review potential appointments and termination of senior staff prior to implementation. This committee was also not consulted.

    “The effect of the attitude of the GMD and the sidelining of the board is that there is a fear culture in the NNPC,” Kachikwu said.

    In his prayers to the President, Kachikwu said “We save NNPC and the oil industry from collapse arising from the above non-transparent practices and empower the board you inaugurated to do the needful.

    “That you save the office of the Minister of State from further humiliation and disrespect by compelling all parastatals to submit to oversight regulatory mandate and proper supervision which I am supposed to manage on your behalf,” he stated

    The major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wasted no time to demand Baru’s immediate suspension.

    The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, had said “As a political party, we expect that the President, who prides himself as an indefatigable corruption fighter, would for once try to live above board, by genuinely allowing one of his own, accused of corruption, get properly investigated and prosecuted as a show of his impartiality in the war against corruption.

    “He should do this to correct the open impression Nigerians have about his so called anti-corruption war; that it’s just a tool of persecution of perceived enemies.

    “We view the allegations levelled against Baru by Kachikwu as too grave to be swept under the carpet and we insist that the NNPC GMD must be treated like an accused who should not have the opportunity to influence investigation into his alleged misdeeds.

    “In this light, we demand an immediate suspension of the NNPC GMD so that proper investigation can be carried out by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.” he said

    Also worried by the allegations in the oil sector, the Senate last week set up a committee chaired by Senator Aliyu Wammako, to investigate the issue.

    Unlike the Baru case where the allegations were raised within the executive arm of government, the allegations against the Inspector General of Police was spearhead by a sitting Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi Central).

    Apart from corruption allegations, Misau also raised allegation of infidelity against the Inspector General of Police.

    The Senate constituted a Special panel, headed by the Senate Deputy Chief Whip Francis Alimikhena (Edo North) to investigate the Inspector General of Police for alleged misappropriation of funds, illegal promotion and posting of senior officers and bribery and to also investigate claims that the IG put an officer in the family way and secretly wedded her in Kaduna.

    It also mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate claims of professional misconduct against the IGP.

    All these allegations came to the public domain few months after some top officials of the government including  the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, was investigated on alleged corruption charges.

    His case is yet to be resolved as the President might still be studying the investigative report submitted by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led three man committee.

    Also the resolution by the Senate not to confirm the appointment of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, is still subsisting.

    It will be a plus for the government to do everything possible to get to the bottom of these fresh cases.

    The administration should  also remain fair and just to all those involved in the alleged corruption issues, by giving all, fair hearing in a bit to get to the root of the issues.

    This is important, at least, to counter the frequent claims of selectiveness of its anti-corruption battle been leveled by the opposition party against the government.

    It should guide against being seen and viewed as playing the ostrich when corruption case is leveled against one of its officials.

     

  • Senate sets up committee to probe corruption allegations against IGP

    Senate sets up committee to probe corruption allegations against IGP

    The Senate has set up an eight-man ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of corruption brought against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, by Senator Isah Misau.

    The Senate also mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate police allegations against Misau and present its findings to the lawmakers.

    The police had alleged that Misau did not follow due process when he retired from the force.

    The Senate’s resolution followed a Point of Order raised by Misau, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Navy.

    The senator had told his colleagues that he had been having a running battle with the IGP over corruption in the police.

    Misau said he deemed it necessary to bring the matter before the Senate because it had been in public domain for “some weeks now.”

    He accused the IGP of blackmailing him because he dared to talk about the level of corruption in the force.

    He said: “I am a retired police officer and served for 10 years. My father served the force for 34 years. In fact, he joined the police before I was born.

    “So, when I speak about the police, I know what I am saying. When I speak about the police, I speak with authority.

    “I am concerned about what is happening in the police in terms of bribery. There is a need for something urgent to be done to salvage the image of the institution.

    “Before raising alarm on the irregularities in the institution, I called three serving officers and they confirmed to me that people pay more than N500,000 to get promoted.

    “I also have other evidences that I am ready to release for investigation.”

    NAN

     

  • Police will secure conviction against Evans, others – Idris

    Police will secure conviction against Evans, others – Idris

    The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the police would secure conviction against alleged kidnap kingpins, Henry Chibueze and Chukwudumebi Onwuamaegbu also known as Evans.

    Idris, who gave the assurance in his keynote address at a security lecture in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, commended the National Assembly for passing the anti-kidnapping bill into law and recommending death sentence for perpetrators.

    At the lecture with the theme: “Insecurity, Socio-economic Impacts and Conflicts Resolution Perspectives,”the IGP said the police would also ensure that all kidnap suspects are prosecuted in court to checkmate incessant cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in the country.

    He said: “With humility, I must state with some amount of confidence that these strategies have worked based on successes achieved so far. Most heinous crimes especially kidnapping and armed robbery which occurred had so far been detected.

    “You are very much aware of the fate of the notorious kidnapper, Henry Chibueze alias Vampire and the billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudi alias Evans and many others too numerous to mention here who were arrested and currently standing trial.

    “Considering the detailed investigation being conducted on these cases, Insha Allah, we must gain conviction against them.”

    Idris said the preventive strategies and arrests made by the police in recent times had helped in checking the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, South -South and other parts of the country.

     

  • IG urges new recruits to eschew corruption

    IG urges new recruits to eschew corruption

    The Inspector-General ( IG ) of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Friday, urged the 465 new police recruits to eschew any act of corruption and be dedicated to their duties.

    The police boss made the call at the Passing Out Parade of the police constables at the Police Training School, Minna.

    Represented by Deputy Inspector-General ( IG ) of Police, Finance and Administration, Shauibu Gamb.
    He said “I will not hesitate to deal decisively with any police officer found in acts which violate the law of the land, including the prosecution of such persons to act as deterrent to others.”

    Idris added that the 465 constables would be posted to their states of origin to ensure effective
    community policing.

    He stressed that “you are, therefore, advised not to engage in any corrupt practices and any other nefarious activities.

    “Nigeria is in a democratic system of government where the rights of citizens must be respected.”

    The police chief assured the public that the Nigeria Police would continue to operate within its constitutional mandate.

    He explained that “this made the police high command to launch `Our Creed,’ aimed at guiding officers’ actions while on their professional duties in line with international best practices.

    “We shall ensure the rule of law prevails in our action and activities and operate within the principles of democratic governance.”

    He lauded the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recruitment of 31,000 police officers yearly.

    Earlier, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Ketsu, lauded police efforts in the state.

    Bello expressed the state government’s determination to continue to support the police for effective policing.

  • IGP deploys 500 mobile policemen in Aba

    IGP deploys 500 mobile policemen in Aba

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has deployed over 500 Police Mobile Force men to Aba to restore peace in the troubled city.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Operations, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, on a duty tour to Aba Friday said the I-G wants  peace  restored to Abia State immediately, hence the deployment of the mobile policemen who had assumed duty in Aba.

    “You can see that we have placed security and that the whole place is quiet and our men are on patrol,” he said.

    “For now we are still monitoring, there is no problem. We are on top of the situation.

    “We are working in tandem with other agencies and they are cooperating with us.”

    The city was embroiled in a clash between soldiers and IPOB members in Aba between Monday and Tuesday, prompting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to impose a curfew on the city.

  • IPOB: IG deploys 500 mobile policemen

    IPOB: IG deploys 500 mobile policemen

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, has deployed over 500 Police Mobile Force men to Aba to restore peace in the troubled city.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Operations, Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed this on Friday during a duty tour to Aba, at the Aba Police Area Command.

    He said that the I-G directed that peace should be restored to Abia, hence the deployment of the mobile policemen who had assumed duty in Aba.

    “You can see that we have emplaced security and that the whole place is quite and our men are on patrol.

    “For now we are still monitoring. So, for now there is no problem. We are on top of the situation. We are working in tandem with other agencies and they are cooperating with us,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that peace is gradually returning to the commercial city which was embroiled in a clash between soldiers and IPOB members in Aba.

    Some roadside shops along Aba-Owerri road, St Michael’s road and other streets, and those at Ariaria International Market and New Market opened on Friday.

  • IGP Idris faults governor’s claim on SARS operatives

    IGP Idris faults governor’s claim on SARS operatives

    Inspector-General (IGP) of Police Ibrahim Idris has faulted the allegation by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that the police are behind criminal activities in the state.

    Idris said Wike was expressing a personal opinion on the security situation in his state.

    Idris explained that the display of a body purported to be that of the police in a crime scene did not indicate that the policeman was involved in the crime.

    He said: “That a policeman was killed in Rivers in connection with the IPOB issue is different from saying that the policeman was involved in a crime. You cannot say that the one attacked and killed is the one involved in the crime.”

    He described the governor’s comment as a sweeping allegation which “does not make sense to me”.