Begin probe of N10bn fraud of ASCSN, Labour leaders tell IGP

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has been told to commence an impartial investigation into the N10 billion fraud allegation against some officials of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).

The concerned workers, who stated this, also urged the IGP to commence prosecution of the officials without waisting more time.

The labour leaders made this disclosure via a statement issued by Comrade Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator of All Workers Convergence (AWC).

ASCSN, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has been engulfed in series of crisis.

Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, the Secretary General of ASCSN, alongside the Deputy Secretary General of the union, Josua Apebo and the union’s Cheif Accountant, Comrade Fatai Akorede were detained by the police at Alagbon Force Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos over the alleged fraud.

Labour leaders on the platform of All Workers Convergence (AWC) have, however, said that the arrest of the officials was not enough.

Emelieze advised the IGP to begin immediate prosecution of the officials.

He said, “We are concerned members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). We write to inform you that your officers have done well to arrest some top officials of ASCSN over petitions of close to 10billion naira fraud in the union.

“Among those arrested are Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, the Secretary General of the union, Comrade Josua Apebo, the Deputy Secretary General, Mr Akorede Fatai, the Chief Accountant of ASCSN, Mrs Funmilayo Victoria Salami, the Chief Typist to the union.

“Among those the petition highlighted are Comrade Boboi Kegama, former President of ASCSN and Comrade Asani Dinatu Asibi, the immediate past treasurer of the union.

“Sir, arrest has been made but arrest is not enough. We hope for a thorough, impartial investigation and the prosecution of the offenders. We are convinced that the facts before the police is more than sufficient to indict the union officials.

“We, therefore, urge the IGP not to grant any courtesy visit request from any of the lobbyists of ASCSN and ensure that unbiased investigation is conducted and all that is stolen from the workers be returned to them. We look forward to your quick response and intervention.”