Morganable News/Public Interest
Beyond financial infractions, SERAP expressed alarm over the reported disappearance of firearms and ammunition, warning that such lapses could have far-reaching implications for public safety
kaNo —
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate probe into alleged diversion and mismanagement of over ₦6.79bn within the Nigeria Police Force.
The group also pointed to the disappearance of firearms and ammunition flagged in an official audit report.
The letter, according to the organisation, was prompted by findings contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s Annual Report published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP described the allegations as a “grave betrayal of public trust,” warning that the reported irregularities not only represent financial misconduct but also pose serious threats to national security.
SERAP Urges Prosecution Of Defaulters
The organisation urged the President to direct the Federal Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report documented multiple cases of financial mismanagement within the police and the ministry, including payments for projects that were never executed, inflated contracts, abandoned projects, and irregular procurement processes.
“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 letter stated.
It further detailed cases of unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, and payments for services allegedly not rendered, all contributing to the alleged diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to more than ₦6.79bn.
SERAP Expresses Concerns Over Missing Firearms
Beyond financial infractions, SERAP expressed alarm over the reported disappearance of firearms and ammunition, warning that such lapses could have far-reaching implications for public safety.
“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,” the organisation said.
SERAP Gives FG 7-Day Ultimatum
The group gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to act on its recommendations or face legal action aimed at compelling compliance in the public interest.
Among the specific findings highlighted by SERAP was the alleged payment of ₦499.9m for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which was reportedly never executed.
The Auditor-General, according to the group, expressed concern that the funds may have been diverted and recommended recovery.
Similarly, the report cited a payment of over ₦12.9m for the rehabilitation of a building at the Department of Logistics and Supply in Garki, Abuja, which was also allegedly not carried out.
Another case involved a payment of ₦111.6m for the construction of a transit camp and rehabilitation of an administrative block at the Nigeria Police Force Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre in Kudan, Kaduna State, which the report claimed was never executed.
According to the organisation, new contracts were subsequently awarded instead of completing the earlier projects, raising concerns about accountability and project tracking. It added that some of the newly awarded contracts could not be traced.
On the issue of missing weapons, SERAP cited the Auditor-General’s findings that at least 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, along with 737 rounds of live ammunition recorded in the Federal Capital Territory Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022, were not returned.
The report also allegedly found that police exhibits such as vehicles, firearms, and ammunition were either converted for operational use without authorisation or released improperly, with several items unaccounted for.
SERAP further pointed to procurement irregularities within the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including contracts worth ₦438.1m for the supply of security equipment such as bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and troop carriers, which were allegedly awarded without due diligence.
Other irregular payments cited in the report covered insurance claims, training programmes, patrol vehicle procurement, public relations contracts, and questionable tax deductions.
The organisation maintained that those responsible for any proven wrongdoing must be brought to justice and all missing public funds and security assets recovered.
The group stressed that failure to act on the allegations would undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions and weaken efforts to combat corruption.
SERAP Sues NNPC Over Failure To Account For ₦211tn
In a related development, SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over what it described as the company’s failure to account for ₦211 trillion recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1427/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling the NNPCL to provide a detailed explanation and supporting documents for the funds listed as “Sundry Receivables” and “Accrued Expenses.”
According to SERAP, the oil company recorded ₦211.015 trillion in these categories without sufficient disclosure to enable public scrutiny.
The organisation is asking the court to direct the NNPCL to disclose details of ₦107.6 trillion recorded as receivables, including the identities of debtors, the legal basis of the debts, and the status of recovery efforts.
SERAP argued that transparency in the management of public resources is critical to good governance and economic stability, especially in a country facing fiscal challenges.
As pressure mounts on the Federal Government to address the allegations within the police and provide clarity on oil revenues, the outcome of these demands and legal actions could significantly influence public trust in key national institutions.
The Presidency and relevant agencies had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
