A coalition of civil society organizations have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to immediately conduct thorough investigation into allegations raised against the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, by Senator Isa Missau (Bauchi Central).
In a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the group, under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Justice and Equity, (COALITION- JE), also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, set up an independent committee to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
“In addition to the ongoing public hearing by the Senate, the Presidency should immediately set up an independent executive committee to thoroughly investigate and unravel the truth behind the allegations raised against IGP Idris by Senator Misau”, the group said.
The group which comprises of Lawyers Integrity Crusade Network, National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, Niger Delta Parliament, NEPAD Youth Nigeria and others, also demanded “that IGP Idris immediately resigns honourably from his office, considering his inability to respond to allegations raised against him”.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Edime Amade of Liberty Nigeria, said, “In view of the foregoing atrocities committed by IGP Idris, we strongly feel that his continuous occupation of office no longer serves the best interest of the poor masses and the New Nigeria which is anchored on integrity, transparency and discipline.”
The group also said it was siezing the opportunity to call on the Nigerian police to “remedy the wrong meted to Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) by vacating their headquarters forthwith in the interest of peace, justice and fairness”.
While conducting Journalists round the sealed National Secretariat of PCN, the group lambasted the Nigerian Police for misleading the Federal High Court and the Nigerian populace about the activities of the Corps.
The group specifically referred to further affidavits deposed to by one Sgt. Philip Tumba and filed at the Federal High Court on Monday, 23rd, on behalf of the Police.
In the said affidavits, the Police denied sealing off Peace Corps office.
Meanwhile, as at the time the group and Journalists visited the office Tuesday afternoon, it was under lock and keys, with heavy presence of Police and Armoured Van.
A Police officer who spoke to Journalists, but did not disclose his name, said they were working on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.
“If by tomorrow, the IGP calls our Commandant and instructs that we should leave here, we shall comply and vacate”, he said.
Recall that Senator Missau had alleged that the Inspector-General of Police has been extorting money, ranging from N10m to N15m, from Commissioners of Police, State Mobile Commanders and Special Protection Units (SPU) Commanders, for favourable postings.
He also alleged that IGP Idris makes N10bn monthly from oil companies and other private individuals who enjoy special protection from the security agency.
Misau who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, said the level of corruption being perpetrated by the current Inspector-General of Police and the Chairman, Police Service Commission, IGP Mike Okiro (Rtd.), was so alarming and capable of undermining the anti-corruption stance of President Muhammadu Buhari.
