Some police officers serving in Ebonyi State, particularly those attached to the Department of Operations and the Police Mobile Force, have called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to investigate alleged diversion of special-duty allowances and irregularities in security deployments in the state.
The officers, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals, also alleged poor welfare, delayed payment of allowances and what they described as exploitative working conditions.
One of the officers, who claimed to have served in Ebonyi for more than 20 years, described the state as one of the most difficult places for police personnel to work, particularly officers attached to operational formations.
The officers alleged that some private organisations pay substantial monthly sums for police personnel deployed for escort and other security duties, but claimed that only a fraction of the money allegedly reaches the officers carrying out the assignments.
One source alleged that while some companies pay as much as N1.8 million monthly per police officer for security services, personnel could allegedly receive significantly smaller amounts.
The officers also complained about delays in the payment of allowances, saying some personnel allegedly receive their entitlements weeks after the payments are made by the organisations engaging their services.
They appealed to the IGP to review the system for administering special-duty allowances and ensure that payments are made directly and promptly to officers assigned to such duties.
Alleged ‘Ghost’ Deployments
The officers further alleged irregularities in the deployment of police personnel for security assignments involving the Ebonyi State Government.
One source claimed that the state government may have been releasing funds for personnel allegedly not physically deployed for certain security duties, describing the practice as “ghost” deployment.
The officer called for a comprehensive verification of police personnel attached to government security assignments and urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to scrutinise expenditure on security operations.
The officers also raised concerns over what they described as unofficial “pin-down” arrangements and alleged discrepancies between the number of personnel reportedly submitted for assignments and those actually deployed.
They appealed to the police authorities to investigate the allegations and strengthen accountability in the management of security-related funds.
The officers also expressed concerns over accommodation, remuneration and general welfare, saying poor conditions could affect the morale and effectiveness of personnel.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful as the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, reportedly did not respond to calls seeking clarification on the allegations.
The allegations remain unverified, and no senior police officer or government official named in the claims has been established to have committed wrongdoing. The officers are calling for an independent investigation by the Inspector-General of Police to establish the facts and address any identified irregularities.
