Police: IGP never paid N2bn for tenure extension

The police authorities on Monday denied that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu paid N2bn to secure the extension of his tenure by three months.

The force said it was responding a report published by an online media organisation and described it as unfounded and libelous.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the extension of service of the IGP was strictly the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari and “was never paid for as maliciously reported in the publication”.

Mba also said the IGP was not distracted by the report, adding that he remained committed to delivering on its mandate, especially the task of neutralising current and emerging internal security threats.

The statement read in part, “The police high command has described as untrue, unfounded, defamatory and libelous, the publication by Sahara Reporters, dated February 07, 2021, which alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni paid over two billion naira for the tenure extension.

“The insinuations also by Sahara Reporters that the IGP did not “celebrate” his extension smacks of ignorance and a pathetic misplacement of priority. The extension does not call for merry-making or celebration but a time for more work, rededication to duty and selfless service to the nation.

“The IGP, while assuring the nation of an unwavering commitment by the force under his leadership, to improved service delivery, safety and security of the citizenry, enjoins members of the public to disregard and discountenance the publication by Sahara Reporters as evidently untrue and unfounded. The IGP is undistracted and the Force remains motivated and committed to delivering on its mandate, especially the task of neutralising current and emerging internal security threats.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed his legal team to commence legal actions against the online publisher.”