IGP Idris is not in London to see Buhari

Reports making the rounds in the local press concerning the visit of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to London, are wide of the mark.

On Tuesday, a local newspaper reported that IGP Idris, has led a high powered police delegation to visit the President in London.

Buhari is on a 10-day vacation to the U.K where he'll embark on routine medical checkups, according to a statement from the Presidency issued before his departure.

Tempers have flared in the social media since the story of the IGP's visit to the U.K to see the President, hit cyberspace.

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Many Nigerians have tongue-lashed or tweet-lashed the Presidency and the Police high command for what they considered a frivolous trip which will cost the Nigerian taxpayer dearly.

But a source at the Police headquarters who didn't want to be named because he hadn't been authorized to comment on the subject, told Pulse that the report was a fabrication.

"It's not true that Oga (IGP Idris) is in the UK to visit Buhari. And please, appeal to your colleagues in the media to always cross-check information before putting it out there", said the source.

The top ranking Police officer added that IGP Idris is in London at the behest of the UK metropolitan Police.

No details were offered about what will be discussed between the Nigerian Police boss and his UK counterparts, at this meeting.

"It's only a coincidence that Oga's trip is happening during the period President Buhari is in the U.K.

"Oga is in the UK for a different purpose. Nigerians need to take a step back before running with news stories sometimes. It's rather unfair on the Police and the nation", added the source.

Pulse put a phone call across to Police spokesperson Don Awunah for a possible response before filing this story, but his calls went unanswered.

Buhari will return to his work desk on February 6, 2017. His aides say he is in fine spirits and rude health.