SERAP tasks Tinubu to probe N6.79bn police funds allegations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs. The group is concerned about over N6.79 billion in public funds that are reportedly diverted, misapplied, or remain unaccounted for.

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Anyone suspected to be responsible, including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report, should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.

SERAP's request, detailed in a letter to the President, urges the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to probe the findings presented in the Auditor-General of the Federation's Annual Report. The organization emphasized that individuals found responsible should face prosecution, and all missing public funds, firearms, and ammunition must be recovered and properly accounted for.

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The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.

The Auditor-General's report, as highlighted by SERAP, points to a "serious breach of public trust" and raises grave concerns about corruption. The findings reportedly include issues such as missing firearms, unauthorized use and release of police exhibits, inadequate record-keeping, and insecure storage of weapons. SERAP argues that these lapses undermine the operational effectiveness of the police and erode public confidence.

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The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Furthermore, SERAP warned that the alleged diversion of funds intended for policing, the abandonment of security projects, and the disappearance of firearms and ammunition could exacerbate the existing insecurity challenges in Nigeria. The rights group has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to respond to its demands, indicating its intention to pursue legal action if no action is taken.

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We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.