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There has been growing anxiety at the Ikoyi Police Barracks, Lagos, since the resident police officers learnt that the barracks had allegedly been sold to private developers.
According to PUNCH Metro, the barracks situated in a fenced compound on Ruxton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, has 18 flats and houses no fewer than 16 senior police officers with their families.
Our correspondent gathered that about two months ago, an Assistant Commissioner of Police attached to the Force Headquarters annex, Obalende, Lagos, identified simply as Abubakar, visited the barracks and informed the occupants that the place had been sold, adding that they should prepare to leave.
Abubakar, who claimed he was acting on “instructions from above” was also said to have paid N10m into the bank accounts of police officers to “encourage” them to move out.
It was also gathered that since Abubakar’s visit, police officers staying in the barracks, the least among them being a Superintendent of Police, had been increasingly worried about how a facility which belonged to the Nigeria Police Force would be sold overnight.
When correspondents visited the barracks on Saturday, one of the occupants, a senior police officer who craved anonymity, confirmed that Abubakar had issued occupants an ultimatum till December to move out of the facility.
He said, “I have spent over 10 years in this barracks. It is the oldest police quarters in the Ikoyi area.
“About two months ago, the man came and told us that the place had been sold and we should prepare to leave.
“He threatened that if we did not cooperate, we would be posted out of Lagos to remote places, saying he was acting on instructions from the headquarters.
“But we know that this cannot just happen. I want the police authorities to investigate this development. We are sure this is not from the Inspector General of Police.
“The barracks is a legacy of the police. It has housed so many top police officers and it should not be allowed to be sold to private hands.”
Another police officer, who also begged for anonymity, told PUNCH Metro that most of them were worried about where to relocate with their families. He added that the money paid into the accounts was nothing compared to the peace enjoyed in the place over the years.
Another resident, who also did not want to be named, added that he did not believe that the police authorities planned to sell the barracks.
He said, “I don’t believe it. It is true that a man, Abubakar, came to see all the occupants, but that will not hold water.
“I have spent about 15 years in this place, and there have been many of such rumours which ended up being untrue.
“People don’t stay free of charge in barracks. It is deducted from their salaries.
“We pay for water and electricity and other charges. The man is not from the authorities. He is being used by some individuals.”
PUNCH Metro also reports that some of the police officers had started to look for alternative accommodation as the deadline given to them drew nearer.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, when contacted, said he had no idea of the sale, adding that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police would look into the matter.
He said, “Where is that? The commissioner of police will do the best thing there. There is no problem.
“The state CP will take care of it. I have no idea of such information.”