Alleged Corruption: EFCC, ICPC urged to probe NPF Cooperative Society under ex-DIG Galadanci

Anti-corruption groups and police welfare advocates have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate fresh corruption allegations involving the Nigeria Police Force Cooperative Society during the tenure of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galadanci.

The groups also urged the Police Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the cooperative society following claims that Galadanci allegedly misused his position to control and mismanage funds contributed by police personnel nationwide.

Mr Galadanci, who served as Commissioner of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Force Cooperative Society in Lagos between April 2019 and December 2019, also held the position of Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited during the same period.

The role placed him in a powerful position over the administration, supervision and strategic management of cooperative funds deducted monthly from the salaries of police officers across the country for savings, loans and welfare purposes.

According to several serving and retired officers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, Mr Galadanci allegedly abused the office by exercising excessive control over cooperative finances.

The officers alleged that funds deducted monthly from personnel were either diverted or improperly managed under his watch.

As Executive Secretary, Mr Galadanci’s responsibilities included overseeing the general administration of the cooperative, supervising Nigeria Police Force personnel working under the society, coordinating management meetings, identifying and managing partnerships, and advising on investments and cost-effective business solutions aimed at growing the cooperative.

However, critics claim that these responsibilities were allegedly exploited to centralise decision-making and influence the movement of cooperative funds.

Some officers further alleged that during the period, access to cooperative loans and benefits became increasingly difficult for ordinary members.

They claimed that loan applications were frequently delayed or rejected without clear explanations, leaving many officers unable to access funds meant for their welfare.

Some retired officers also alleged that they exited the service without receiving the full benefits of cooperative schemes they had contributed to for years.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the cooperative funds, Galadanci has also been accused by critics and civil society actors of allegedly amassing wealth far beyond what could be justified by his legitimate earnings as a police officer.

According to the allegations, the retired DIG owns multiple high-value properties, including luxury mansions located in Abuja, Kano and Lagos, believed to be worth billions of naira.

Observers say the scale and location of the alleged assets raise serious questions, noting that properties in such prime areas typically cost hundreds of millions or billions of naira.

Based on publicly known police salary structures and allowances, analysts estimate that even at the peak of his career, Galadanci’s total legitimate earnings over more than three decades in the Nigeria Police Force—including salaries, duty allowances and retirement benefits—would conservatively amount to between ₦75 million and ₦95 million in cumulative income.

Critics argue that this figure stands in stark contrast to the multi-billion-naira properties allegedly linked to him, including mansion houses in Abuja, Kano and Lagos.

They insist that the scale of the alleged wealth appears difficult to reconcile with lawful earnings from a police career, even with prudent savings and investments.

Sources within the police also alleged that Mr Galadanci maintained an extravagant lifestyle while in service, a development they say further fuelled suspicions that his wealth may not have been acquired through legitimate means.

They claimed that previous internal complaints and accusations of corruption against him were either ignored or failed to result in decisive disciplinary action.

Mr Galadanci has faced allegations of corruption and abuse of office at different times during his career, although there is currently no public record of a court conviction against him.

However, the latest claims have intensified calls from anti-corruption advocates for a thorough investigation.