The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into alleged diversion and misapplication of more than N6.79 billion in public funds within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The organisation also called for the recovery and proper accounting of missing firearms and ammunition allegedly identified in the latest report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated August 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The organisation said the allegations were contained in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report published on September 9, 2025.
It described the findings as a “grave betrayal of the public trust” and urged Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
SERAP said, “The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
SERAP highlighted several findings from the Auditor-General’s report, including the alleged payment of N499.9 million for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which it said was never executed.
According to the organisation, the Auditor-General’s report stated, “According to the 2022 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force Department of Logistics and Supply, Works Section, Force Headquarters, Abuja ‘in October 2022 paid over ₦499 million [₦499,875,500.00] to a contractor for the construction of Police College Phase II, Bashar, Plateau State.
“But the construction of the Police College was not executed.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“The Section ‘paid over ₦12 million [₦12,931,000.00] to a contractor for the Rehabilitation of Block B Department of Logistics and Supply (Works) building at Garki. But the project was not executed.’”
SERAP further quoted the report as saying, “The Section also ‘paid over ₦111 million [₦111,635,864.64] to a contractor for the construction of 12 Nos 1-Bedroom In suite Transit Camp and rehabilitation of Administration Block at NPF Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre Kudan, Kaduna State. But the project was not executed.’”
It added, “The Section ‘inserted taxes of over ₦4 million [₦4,011,627.89] to inflate a contract. The money should not have been paid to the contractor.’
“The Section ‘paid over ₦1 billion [₦1,938,299,452.00] for fourteen contracts in 2022 as ongoing projects. But the contracts were abandoned, and new projects were awarded to contractors instead of completing the ongoing projects. The new contracts awarded by the Nigeria Police Force could not be traced.’”
SERAP also referenced findings that 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, as well as 737 rounds of live ammunition booked into the FCT Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022, were never returned.
The organisation said the report also alleged that police exhibits, including vehicles, firearms and ammunition, were converted to operational use or released without due authorisation, while several exhibits could not be accounted for.
SERAP further cited alleged procurement irregularities in the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including contracts worth N438.1 million for the supply of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and troop carriers, which it said were awarded without due diligence.
It also referenced alleged irregular payments involving insurance claims, cash advances, training programmes, patrol vehicle procurement, public relations contracts and tax deductions, all documented in the Auditor-General’s report.
SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations or face legal action.
It said, “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.”
Citing constitutional provisions, the organisation noted that Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution requires the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, while Section 14 provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
SERAP maintained that those responsible for any proven wrongdoing should be prosecuted and all missing public funds and security assets recovered in the public interest.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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