• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Reps to probe N18bn security fund to Police

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House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled plans to investigate the N18 billion security fund released to the Nigeria Police authorities to combat crime.

The money was allegedly approved and released by the Presidency without the approval of the National Assembly.

To this end, the House mandated the Committee on Police Affairs to conduct a holistic investigation into the N10 billion ‎released by the Presidency.

The Committee was also mandated to probe the N8 billion earmarked for the upgrading of the Nigeria Police Training Schools and Colleges preparatory to the recruitment of 10,000 personnel.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Johnbosco Shekarau.

In his lead debate, Shekarau noted that the rate of kidnapping, profile murders and other crimes had been on the increase despite claims by Solomon Arase, inspector general of police that equipment, including surveillance cameras had been procured and deployed across the country.

He also expressed concern over the dilapidation of the  facilities at the Police Training Colleges despite the release of N8 billion for the rehabilitation to accommodate prospective job seekers in the ongoing recruitment exercise.

While ruling, the House speaker, Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committee to submit its report within two weeks for further legislative action.