IG probes non-payment of police allowances in Ondo

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), has set up a panel to investigate the delay in the payment of allowances to police officers who participated in the Ondo state governorship election.

According to Don Awunah, spokesman of the force, Idris expressed concern over the complaints of the affected officers.

He said the panel, headed by Ali Ahmadu, a retired assistant inspector-general (AIG), is to enhance the payment of the officers who provided security during the exercise.

“Arising from complaints of irregularities from certain quarters and discoveries of possible anomalies and plausible foul play, the IGP has set up a special panel to investigate, streamline and enhance payment of entitlements of the force personnel who engage in adhoc duties,” Awunah said in a statement.

“The special panel is empowered to launch an investigation into the entire payment system with a view to thoroughly investigate the recent payment of allowances to personnel of the force to determine if the money released for the payment of the allowances was utilized accordingly, providing bank records as evidence.

“Liaising with the ministry of finance on the perennial problematic nature of paying allowances. Setting up standard modalities that will be adopted by the force to address payment of allowances given by the federal government for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

“Recommending where appropriate disciplinary actions against erring officers both within and outside the force.

“The SIP at the end of the investigation is to recommend professional modalities for payment of allowances in line with government due process for subsequent payment of allowances to personnel of the force engaged in adhoc duties.

“This development is pursuant to the policy of the inspector-general of police for transparency and accountability in all aspects of the Nigeria Police Force and in readiness for the establishment of a standard template that would be used in the conduct of subsequent elections.