Bauchi CP vows to probe allegations of extortion at police training school

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu on Wednesday vowed to probe the allegations of extortion at the Police Training School Yelwa, Bauchi.

In a press statement signed by the spokesman of the command, Ahmed Wakil and made available to newsmen in the state. Sani-Omolori warned that any officer found guilty of extortion will be punished. 

The statement reads “Bauchi State Police Command wishes to address the allegation of extortion as circulated widely across social media platforms”  

“In the words of José N. Harris: “There is beauty in truth, even if it is painful. Those who lie twist life so that it appears appealing to the indolent, impressive to the uninformed, and powerful to the feeble.”  

“Recent reports have emerged alleging that police recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, are being coerced into paying as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other necessary equipment that should be provided at no cost. Some recruits, speaking anonymously, have described this financial obligation as an onerous burden for themselves and their families”

Recall that  a legal practitioner, one Lawal Ishaq, had raised concerns after being approached by a woman seeking financial assistance for her son, who is currently undergoing police training at the institution above”

“Ishaq stated, “I was in my office when a woman I had previously assisted approached me. She indicated that her son, who was on training, had called to request N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and jackets. 

“She earnestly requested my assistance. When I contacted the young man, he confirmed that the funds were intended for those items. As we discussed, I was taken aback.”  

Responding, the Commandant of the Police Training School, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal dismissed the allegations as unfounded.  

Tambuwal said that “If such occurrences exist, I am unaware of them. However, it is not true that recruits are required to pay for their uniforms and kits. All trainees receive their uniforms and meals free of charge. We provide three square meals daily, and the uniforms are transported from Abuja to Bauchi and issued without payment,” he stated.

He said that with over 700 recruits currently on training, it would be logically impossible for him or his officers to extort such a substantial amount.  

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“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, psc(+), mni, the Command has upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices, as evidenced by decades of integrity within the Police Training School” it stated.