Ex-Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has debunked reports linking him to the return of 19 cars he allegedly left with on retirement and has threatened to institute legal action if the “embarrassment” does not cease.
In a statement signed by Arase, he said that there was no time he took away such a number of cars from the Nigerian Police outside what was rightfully his.
He said, “So, there couldn’t have been any vehicle recovered from me. If there was any such, those behind this campaign of calumny should please make the number plates of the vehicles public and where they were recovered from.”
About 4 months ago, IGP Ibrahim Idris had told journalists during an interview that his predecessor had carted away 24 exotic cars that he was not supposed to, including the one meant for the IGP.
But reacting, Arase said he had all the information needed to verify where the cars were and as well as clarification on anything for that matter if that which is contained in the handover notes was not enough.
But reports Monday said the Police Force has now recovered the19 assorted cars allegedly taken away by the former IGP.
It was reported that the cars, 24 in number, were distributed among the former IGP and members of his management team, such as the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, DIGs, who retired along with him.
The report further said the investigation unit is still working on recovering the remaining five vehicles, allegedly in the custody of one of the retired DIGs.
But Arase in a statement said, “It is embarrassing for me to wake up on Monday morning to be inundated with calls and messages on purported 19 vehicles recovered from me.
“I wish to reassure the general public that there was nothing like that. Like I said in July, I did not take any police vehicle with me outside what I am entitled to, and so, there couldn’t have been any vehicle recovered from me.
“If there was any such, those behind this campaign of calumny should please make the number plates of the vehicles public and where they were recovered from.
“Rather than dissipating so much energy on ‘project drag Arase down’, I urge those behind this evil campaign to face their official responsibility for which much is expected from them by the nation.
“I have done my bit and my own records bear me witness. Let those daily frightened by the shadow of Arase learn to face reality and stop chasing shadows so that they are not hunted by same.”
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