The Integrity Youth Alliance has dismissed as false, malicious and misleading a publication by SecretsReporters alleging irregularities in the procurement of police helmets worth ₦1.32 billion and a helicopter valued at ₦8.6 billion during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
In a press statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the Alliance faulted the report titled “IGP Kayode Egbetokun Crowned His Final Full Year Paying N1.32 Billion For Helmets From A Ghost Firm And N8.6 Billion For One Helicopter,” arguing that the allegations should not be treated as established facts without verifiable supporting evidence.
The group explained that public procurement in Nigeria follows an established process involving needs assessment, budgetary provision, procurement planning, tendering or other legally approved procurement methods, evaluation of bids, contract award and the requisite approvals.
It stressed that the Inspector-General of Police does not automatically have sole authority to approve every procurement contract initiated by the Nigeria Police Force, particularly where the contract value exceeds the applicable approval threshold.
According to the Alliance, procurement proposals must pass through the relevant administrative, technical and procurement procedures before being submitted to the appropriate approving authority. Depending on the applicable rules, the value and nature of the contract, and any valid delegation of authority, approval may rest with the designated official or body, the Minister of Police Affairs or the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The Alliance noted that the distinction between initiating a procurement, evaluating bids, recommending a contractor, approving a contract and authorising payment is essential when determining individual responsibility for public expenditure.
It argued that establishing responsibility for the transactions cited in the report would require examining the relevant procurement documents, contract-award records, approval instruments, delivery and inspection reports, and payment authorisations.
“Consequently, attributing sole responsibility for multibillion-naira procurement transactions to the former IGP without establishing the applicable approval process, the decisions taken by the respective authorities and the supporting documentary evidence risks presenting an incomplete and misleading account,” the statement said.
The group maintained that allegations concerning the procurement of helmets and a helicopter should be assessed against the actual procurement records and applicable regulations, rather than assumptions about the powers or responsibilities of a single public official.
It also said the former IGP emphasised accountability, transparency, professionalism and institutional discipline during his tenure, adding that these principles should inform any objective assessment of his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
While acknowledging that government procurement and public spending must remain open to legitimate scrutiny, the Alliance stressed that investigative journalism should be guided by accuracy, fairness, verifiable evidence and the right of individuals to respond to allegations.
It challenged SecretsReporters to publish verifiable evidence supporting its claims, including relevant procurement records and approval documents, where lawfully available.
The Alliance further urged Nigerians to exercise caution before accepting or circulating allegations that have not been conclusively substantiated, warning against the use of sensational headlines to create impressions of wrongdoing before the facts are established.
It called for any credible evidence of procurement irregularities to be referred to the appropriate investigative and oversight authorities for examination in accordance with the law.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, responsible public discourse, institutional accountability and fairness in the evaluation of public officials.