A leaked audio recording has raised fresh allegations of corruption, extortion, arbitrary postings and poor welfare among police personnel serving under the 32 Police Mobile Force, PMF, Squadron in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
In the recording, a police officer who said he had served in the squadron for about 15 years accused a senior administrative officer identified as “Chinedu” of allegedly demanding illegal payments from officers, manipulating postings and withholding allowances.
The officer alleged that personnel who refused to make regular payments were sometimes removed from what he described as more lucrative duty posts, while others who allegedly paid were allowed to remain in such assignments.
He claimed that some officers were allegedly required to make monthly payments in exchange for retaining certain postings.
The officer also alleged that personnel deployed for special operations were sometimes transferred abruptly without adequate notice or sufficient welfare provisions.
Recounting his experience during a deployment to Benue State, he claimed he was moved while recovering from illness and arrived at the location with limited personal belongings and only one police uniform.
The officer further alleged that some personnel were receiving only a fraction of allowances allegedly meant for them, claiming that the situation had left several officers financially distressed and in debt.
He also linked the alleged administrative practices to cases of ill-health and death among some personnel, including the death of a colleague whom he said had suffered from high blood pressure.
However, the allegations contained in the recording have not been independently verified, and no evidence has been publicly presented establishing that any specific officer’s death or medical condition was caused by the alleged administrative practices.
The officer appealed to the newly appointed commander of the squadron to investigate the allegations and reform what he described as an entrenched system of exploitation.
He also called for greater transparency in the deployment of personnel and the management of allowances for officers assigned to special duties.
The allegations come amid broader complaints by some police personnel over the handling of allowances, postings and welfare for officers deployed on special operations and private security duties.
Previous complaints have similarly called for investigations into alleged financial irregularities surrounding police deployments in Ebonyi State.
The latest claims have also renewed calls for stronger oversight of police administrative practices, particularly in areas involving personnel welfare, deployment and allowances.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the leaked recording.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ebonyi State Police Command were also unsuccessful.
