New police boss begins probe on predecessor

Acting Inspector General of Police (Ag.IGP) Ibrahim Idris has initiated a probe of his predecessor, Solomon Arase, barely a month after assuming office. According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, the acting Inspector General has appointed two audit firms to look into police investments and related subsidiaries.

The firms to be audited include Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Pensions, NPF Mortgage Bank, NPF Corporative Limited, NPF HMO, NPF Insurance and NPF Property Development Company. Confirming this in a statement in Abuja yesterday, July 15 Idris said, “The Force Management Team has appointed Messers Nsebot William & Co and Gbenga Abimbola & Co to carry out the special assignment which would be completed in six weeks and directed the board and management of the investment bodies and subsidiaries to cooperate with the auditors.”

Idris also said, “The exercise is aimed at carrying out due diligence to ascertain the true financial position, assets and liabilities, challenges and recommendations on how to restructure and reposition this subsidiaries for effective and efficient services, profitability and return of investment to shareholders and Nigeria Police Community at large.”

During his inaugural speech, Idris had clearly stated his direction when he said, ”The management of police cooperative and insurance schemes which are investments made by the members of the force will henceforth be made more transparent and accountable to the police personnel, especially the rank and file who constitute the largest contributors.”

“A lot can be achieved to enhance the welfare of police personnel through genuine utilisation of these investments. ‘‘The accounts of these institutions and bodies will be made more transparent and accountable and contributors will have more say in the running of these accounts and on how their investments will be utilised on daily basis.’’