By Kingsley Omonobi
The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, Wednesday revealed that massive financial fraud was being perpetrated by Police Pay Officers and accountants in all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory .

Speaking when he summoned Police Pay Officers to Abuja, Ringim disclosed that an audit directed by the Ministry of Police Affairs had uncovered thousands of ghost officers in the Nigeria Police Force and billions of naira stolen by Police Pay Officers and accountants.

The exercise, which commenced in September, 2010, uncovered bank accounts through which monies were being stolen by pay officers and their collaborators with N6 billion recovered within two months.

Already, some pay officers with Abia State Police Command have been arrested and are being quizzed over their roles in the financial scam.

Addressing the Pay Officers and accountants at the Force Headquarters, Ringim stated that the consultant discovered that the staff strength of the Force was not up to the 377,000 official figures.

He added that the audit also established the fact that bank officials connived with the pay officers to steal money, noting that investigation had commenced and officers indicted would be prosecuted and jailed.

He said the pay officers often delayed the payment of salaries unnecessarily, leading to complaints of irregular salaries and allowances by officers in some state commands.

Ringim also disclosed that some pay officers had been found to have made multiple payments into accounts.

Giving an example, the IGP said about N15 million was paid into some accounts monthly, while cheques were also cashed in flagrant violation of government regulations that all payments must be done through e-payment.

The police boss, who frowned on the level of fraud and corruption in the MSS, said:   “On a daily basis, we receive complaints from men in Abuja and outside that their pay have been unduly cut.

“Some state commands pay constables N16,000, some pay N18,000 without reasons. Some accuse the MSS and pay officers. We are going to change those responsible. This government money is not a free thing to be converted to personal use.”