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Senate Probes IGP Over Alleged Fraud, Nepotism …As Idris’ In-Laws Threaten Misau
The Senate, yesterday, set up an eight-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of corruption, nepotism and misuse of office levelled against the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris by Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central).
The committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena (APC, Edo North) has as members Senators Joshua Lidani (PDP, Gombe South); Binta Masi Garba (APC, Adamawa North); Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna North); and Nelson Effiong (APC, Akwa Ibom South).
Others are Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central); Duro Faseyi (PDP, Ekiti); and Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako.
The committee is also to investigate the IGP on alleged misappropriation of funds, illegal promotion, posting of senior officers and claims that he impregnated a female police officer.
The decisions of the Senate were sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Misau, yesterday, during plenary when he accused the Inspector-General of Police of diverting funds meant for the purchase of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), to buy luxury vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, also mandated the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions led by Samuel Anyanwu to investigate claims by the IGP that Misau deserted the police force, just as the committee was given two weeks to report back.
Saraki said: “We have listened to our colleague and we cannot ignore the allegations. We have a duty to fight corruption. These matters are weighty; we will set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate these allegations and report back to the Senate.
“The ad-hoc committee we set up will deal with all the allegations about misappropriation of funds made against the IGP. We will refer the other issues about personal misconduct against the IGP to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for investigations,” he said.
It would be recalled that the fight between Misau and the Inspector-General of Police started in August, when the Senator claimed that police officers paid bribes to get favourable postings and promotions.
But the police hierarchy, through the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood dismissed the claims as unfounded and that he was only out to discredit the institution.
Jimoh also alleged that Misau deserted the Force and would soon be declared wanted to respond to a disciplinary committee set up to probe him.
Presenting his point of order, Misau noted that the IGP was yet to respond to all the allegations he made against him.
Misau, who noted that he had been having a running battle with the IGP over his concern on the level of corruption in the Nigeria Police Force, said it became imperative for him to bring the matter before the Senate because it had been in public domain for some weeks.
Meanwhile, the in-laws of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris have threatened to sue Senator Isah Hamman Misau for lying against their daughter.
The family of Mrs Asta Idris said that Misau had on the floor of the Senate alleged that the IGP married Asta secretly in Kaduna after allegedly impregnating her.
The family faulted Misau, and explained that their daughter got married to the IGP publicly at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.
A member of the family, Mr. Nasiru Baba Saleh told newsmen yesterday, that Misau lied against their daughter and that he must prove the allegations in court.
“Truly, we’re seriously angry, because this is a girl that grew up in a responsible way.
“She got a very good upbringing, and we married her out peacefully. We see no reason why this man will come publicly inside the chamber of the Senate to say the man impregnated her before he married her.
“What is his proof? This issue has gone viral on the social media. Both the mom and dad are crying. What kind of defamation is this? We have evidence. We have the pictures and everything. The commissioner of police and DC Operations were there.’’
He explained that the wedding was done publicly and marriage certificate was issued to them.
“We’ll have to sue him for defamation of character of the girl and the family.
“We’ll do that within the week. We’ll file the matter, and we’ll go with all the evidence, including invitation cards and everything.
Misau should come out to prove the allegation that Asta was married out with pregnancy.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
