Bauchi CP Orders Probe Into #250,000 Extortion Allegations At Training School
By George Coben, Bauchi
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has established an investigative panel to thoroughly examine the allegations of extortion on recruits at the Police Training School, Yelwa.
Sani-Omolori Aliyu warned that any officer found guilty of such allegations would face necessary disciplinary measures.
A statement made available to newsmen by the Bauchi State Police Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said that reports from Sahara Reporters and the Daily Trust Newspapers which circulated across social media platforms alleged that recruits at the Police Training School, Yelwa, Bauchi State, are being coerced into paying #250,000 for uniforms, boots and other necessary equipment that should be provided at no cost.
It stated that some recruits who spoke anonymously described the financial obligation as an onerous burden for themselves and their families.
According to Daily Trust, a legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq raised concerns after being approached by a woman seeking financial assistance for her son, who is currently undergoing police training at the school.
Barrister Ishaq stated, ” I was in my office when a woman i had previously assisted approached me. She indicated that her son who was on training, had called to request #250,000 for uniforms, boots and jackets. She earnestly requested my assistance. When i contacted the young man, he confirmed that the funds were intended for those items. As we discussed, i was taken aback. ”
Reacting, the commandant of the Bauchi Police Training School, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
“If such occurrences exist I am unaware of them. However, it is not true that recruits are required to pay for their uniforms and kits. All trainees receive their uniforms and meals free of charge. We provide 3 square meals daily, and the uniforms are transported from Abuja to Bauchi and issued without payment, ” he stated.
ACP Tambuwal further noted that with over 700 recruits currently on training, it would be logically impossible for him or his Officers to extort such a substantial amount.
The Bauchi State Police Command firmly contended that the allegations of extortion at the police training school are unsubstantiated, misleading, and represent an attempt to discredit the esteemed leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
It said the command, under the guidance of the CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices, as evidenced by decades of integrity within the police training school.
The command urged the public to exercise caution regarding misinformation and disinformation proliferated through various social media outlets.
“Such distortions may infringe upon the established regulations of our institution and the broader nation. Furthermore, individuals are advised to verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it, ” the statement said.
Members of the Media were called upon to uphold professional standards in the execution of their critical responsibilities.