The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim K. Idris, has set up a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to investigate, streamline and enhance payment of entitlements of the force personnel who engage in adhoc duties.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don N. Awunah in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, said the IGP was deeply concerned about the delay, omission and discrepancies in payment of allowances to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who participated in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo State; and also arising from complaints of irregularities from certain quarters and discoveries of possible anomalies and plausible foul play.

The special panel is empowered to launch an investigation into the entire payment system with a view to investigating thoroughly the recent payment of allowances to personnel of the force to determine if the money released for the payment of the allowances was utilised accordingly, providing bank records as evidence.

it is also charged with the responsibility of liaising with the Ministry of Finance on the perennial problematic nature of paying allowances; and setting up standard modalities that will be adopted by the force to address payment of allowances given by the Federal Government for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

The statement also indicated that the panel will recommend, where appropriate, disciplinary actions against erring officers both within and outside the force.

Awunah said: “The SIP at the end of the investigation is to recommend professional modalities for payment of allowances in line with government due process for subsequent payment of allowances to personnel of the force engaged in adhoc duties. This development is pursuant to the policy of the IGP for transparency and accountability in all aspects of the Nigeria Police Force and in readiness for the establishment of a standard template that would be used in the conduct of subsequent elections.

“The investigation panel will be chaired by Retired AIG Ali Ahmadu with a representative from each of the following offices as a member: Police Account and Budget, Director of Finance, DIG Operations, IGP Project Monitoring Unit, Special Investigation Panel to assist the chairman in conducting the investigation and Police Legal Section to serve as secretary.

“The IGP enjoined officers who are yet to receive their payment to exercise a little more patience as the issue is already being looked into, assuring them that no one would be cheated of his due. He further urges anyone with useful information that can assist the panel in their investigation not to hesitate in coming forward with such and assures the Nigerian public that the police will always uphold transparency and due process in all her affairs.”

•Photo shows IGP Ibrahim Idris.

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