Senate threatens to arrest IGP over alleged corruption

The Nigerian Senate has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest of the inspector general of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The Senate's decision was sequel to IGP Idris failure to appear before the Senate committee investigating the corruption allegations against him.

Senator Isah Hamman Misau had accused the Police boss of unduly promoting officers of the Force and also extorting money from senior officers to influence their posting.

Senator Misau alleged that the IGP was pocketing N10 billion monthly from oil companies and private individuals who enjoy special security services of the Police.

The IGP was supposed to appear before the committee to explain his side of the story on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, but failed to show up.

Briefing journalists at the National Assembly, Senator Francis Alimikhena said the committee earlier received a letter from the IGP’s lawyer, Alex Izyon (SAN), informing the committee that the IGP would not appear before for lawmakers.

“It would amount to subjudice if the Inspector General of Police appears before the Senate committee, on the same issue that is before the competent court of law,” Alimikhena said.

Senator Alimikhena, however, said the IG of police would be invited to appear before the senate on Tuesday, 7th November.

“Part of the reason why we are inviting the IG has to do with the issue of virement of 2016 and 2017 Appropriation Act and the oversight raised by Senator Misau,” he added.

He insisted that the IGP ‘must’ appear before the Senate next week “as Section 89(c) of the 1999 constitution would be invoked on him if he fails to appear,” the lawmaker warned.