•Asks police boss to address corruption allegation

From Fred Itua, Abuja 

Senator Isah Hamman Misau has refused to back down on claims that he is a deserter from the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement he circulated to newsmen in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the lawmaker said Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris should respond to his allegations that he (Idris) collects over N10 billion monthly from banks and multinational companies, which he (Misau) said amounts to N120 billion every year.

The 43-year-old lawmaker from Bauchi State also insisted police officers pay bribes to get favourable postings and promotions.

He challenged police authorities to address his allegations he raised, rather than claim he deserted the Force.

“I am not surprised that the police Force left unaddressed, the weighty issues raised in my concerns over unwholesome practices in an institution I dedicated the active part of my youthful years to attack my integrity.

“It only goes to affirm my worries over the current leadership of the Force. For the avoidance of doubt, I strictly followed the provisions of the Police Act and Regulations in resigning my position with the Nigerian Police.

“Not wanting to join issues with the rambling incoherence of the Force spokesman, the Police has always known my whereabouts since my resignation.

“Moreover, I have been in the Senate for about two and half years without any mention of my deserting until my innocuous caution against practices capable of destroying the Police Force.

“It is beyond curiosity that the police would be looking for someone clearly in plain sight these past years. Little wonder proliferation of crime in the country and the police apparent cluelessness, especially under the current IGP leadership.

“The real issue is the illegal promotion in the Police Force and its potential to undermine operational capacity of the Force. The IGP and the chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC) should prove me wrong ‎and not embark on voyage of discovery,” the senator said in the statement yesterday.

Regardless, the police has, however, disputed Misau’s allegations.

The IGP, through the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, said Misau’s claims are unfounded and that he was only out to discredit the institution.

He further claimed that Misau deserted the Force and that he will soon be declared wanted to respond to a disciplinary committee set up to probe him.

“Misau dubiously absconded and deserted the Police on September 24, 2010, when he was redeployed to Niger State Command, consequent upon which he was queried, in line with the Public Service Rules.

The police also alleged that Misau had previously faced disciplinary investigation when he refused to proceed on Junior Command Course (JCC) 49/2008 at Staff College, Jos, between January 15, 2009, and June 19, 2009,” the police spokesman had claimed.