SaharaReporters had reported how some policemen accused the commander of pocketing their allowances and turning them into domestic servants.
The authorities of the Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State have set up a panel to investigate the allegation of corruption and extortion against SP Sunday Eremi, Commander of Operation Akpakwu in the state.
SaharaReporters had reported how some policemen accused the commander of pocketing their allowances and turning them into domestic servants.
Speaking with SaharaReporters, police sources in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had said SP Eremi allegedly sat on all the funds earmarked for the welfare of the operation personnel and bragged that he had the backing of the Cross River State government and he was untouchable.
When SaharaReporters contacted the Commander on the phone to comment on the allegations, he had noted that he could not speak and rather requested a physical meeting in his office.
He had said, “I don’t speak to journalists. Come to my office so that we can speak one-on-one."
But reacting to the allegations against the Commander in a circular, the Cross River command condemned the situation and declared that an investigation had begun into the matter.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Cross River State Police Command has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters, which has been trending on various social media platforms and blogs.
“The report accuses SP Eremi, Commander of Operation Akpakwu, of pocketing allowances and committing other infractions.
“In response to these serious allegations, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, PSC, FCAI, has inaugurated an investigation panel. This panel, headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence, ACP Eugene Ubine, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation to establish the veracity of the allegations and to restore the integrity of the Force.
“CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah reaffirms the Command's commitment to zero tolerance for extortion and all forms of corrupt practices, as strongly condemned by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. The Command is determined to ensure there is no hiding place for any erring and unethical police personnel."
SaharaReporters learnt further that the Commander had started bribing those in charge to manipulate the outcome of the panel set up to investigate him.
Sources reliably revealed that three policemen are currently being detained by the authorities because they were suspected of leaking the information about the corruption of the Commander.