Nigerian Police: SERAP Demands Probe into N6.79bn Funds Misappropriation

• SERAP demands probe into N6.79bn police funds misappropriation in Nigeria
• Allegations include missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised use of police exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms
• Federal Government given seven days to act on SERAP's recommendations or face legal action
• Constitutional provisions cited as basis for demand for investigation and prosecution
• SERAP warns that failure to comply could lead to serious consequences for national security and public safety

The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to order a comprehensive investigation into allegations of misappropriation of over N6.79 billion in public funds within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs. The group made this call in a letter dated August 1, 2026, citing findings from the Auditor-General's Annual Report published on September 9, 2025. According to the report, numerous financial irregularities were documented, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement. The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.

SERAP's demand is based on constitutional provisions that require the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution explicitly states that the state shall abolish all forms of corruption, while Section 14 provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The organisation also cited the Auditor-General's report, which highlighted several instances of alleged financial irregularities, including the payment of N499.9 million for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which was never executed. SERAP is urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to recover and properly account for missing firearms and ammunition, and to prosecute anyone found culpable.

The allegations of misappropriation of public funds and mishandling of police equipment are a grave betrayal of the public trust. If left unchecked, these actions could lead to serious consequences for national security and public safety. SERAP's demand for an investigation and prosecution is not only a call for accountability but also a reminder that the government has a constitutional duty to protect the welfare and security of its citizens. The organisation has given the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations or face legal action, which could set a precedent for future accountability measures.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential legal action against the Nigerian government if they fail to comply with SERAP's demands, which could set a precedent for future accountability measures.

Source: Original reporting via The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)