The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigeria Police Force over alleged illegal barracks sales, contract scams, diversion of security funds
The House of Representatives has ordered an urgent investigation into alleged massive corruption within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), including illegal sales of barracks, contract racketeering, and the diversion of over ₦50 billion meant for critical security operations.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance adopted during Thursday’s plenary, co-sponsored by Rep. Ibe Osunwa (LP Abia), Rep. Mark Esset (PDP Akwa Ibom).
ALSO READ: SHOCKING: Audit exposes missing rifles in police command
Leading the debate, Rep. Osunwa referenced Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which mandates the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with certain functions such as protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, and enforcement of all laws and regulations.
He said: “ Recent allegations of abuse of office, lack of due process and corruption in the Nigeria Police Force threaten the credibility, operational efficiency, and national security objectives of the Force.”
He described the situation as a “systemic rot” within the police, warning that the scale of corruption and impunity poses a serious threat to national security and erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions.
He referenced damning findings, from investigative media platforms alleging that the police procurement department illegally split a ₦6 billion uniform contract into 66 smaller deals in a deliberate bid to circumvent the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
Even more alarming, lawmakers alleged, is the unlawful sale of high-value Garki Police Barracks in Abuja, Falomo Police Barracks (Lagos), and Bompai Barracks (Kano) to individuals connected to Exima Realty Ltd., without approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, or the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The lawmakers also accused the police force of awarding contracts worth tens of billions of naira in the 2024 budget to companies such as Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltd., and Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd.
These contracts, they said, were issued without Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) no-objection certificates, due diligence, or necessary ministerial approvals.
Particularly troubling, Rep. Osunwa noted, was the alleged diversion of ₦2.9 billion from the Safe School Initiative to Vigiscope Ltd., a firm said to lack required statutory certifications, including a mandatory NITDA compliance certificate for ICT contracts.
The House also highlighted the payment of over ₦50 billion to unverified or unqualified companies—including PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., Value Exchange Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services—for the supply of arms, boots, gunboats, and forensic intelligence equipment, none of which were delivered.
“If urgent steps are not taken,” Osunwa said, “these acts of impunity and financial misconduct could erode public confidence in the Police Force and sabotage national security and development efforts.”
Following deliberations, the House mandated its committees on public accounts and procurement to carry out a comprehensive investigation into:
- Alleged illegal sale of police properties
- Gross violations of public procurement regulations
- Diversion of public funds
- Fraudulent contracts under the 2024 police budget
The committees are expected to submit their findings within six weeks for further legislative action.
