Police order probe of alleged extortion at Bauchi training school

The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has established an investigative panel to thoroughly investigate allegations of extortion at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State. Daily Trust had exclusively reported that recruits at the training school claimed they were being compelled to pay as much as N250,000 for uniforms, […]

The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has established an investigative panel to thoroughly investigate allegations of extortion at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State.

Daily Trust had exclusively reported that recruits at the training school claimed they were being compelled to pay as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other kits that should ordinarily be issued free of charge. However, the school authority has denied the allegations.

The recruits admitted that while uniform materials were usually supplied, the quality was poor.

“What they give us only lasts a few months, so you have to buy new sets with your own money. Failure to do so could jeopardise your training,” one of the recruits said.

Police spokesperson in Bauchi, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, in a statement, said the Commissioner of Police warned that any officer found guilty of extortion would face necessary disciplinary measures.

He said, “The Bauchi State Police Command firmly contends 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.

“Under the exemplary guidance of the 46th Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the command has upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices, as evidenced by decades of integrity within the Police Training School.

“The command urges the public to exercise caution regarding misinformation and disinformation proliferated through various 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.

“Members of the media are encouraged to uphold professional standards in the execution of their critical responsibilities.”

He noted that while recent reports alleged that police recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa were being coerced into paying as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other necessary equipment that should be provided free of charge, the Command viewed such claims as an onerous misrepresentation.

The Commandant of the Bauchi Police Training School, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, said with over 700 recruits currently in training, it would be logically impossible for him or his officers to extort such a substantial amount.