Reps Probe Over N2bn Allegedly Traced To State Commander Of Mining Marshals

The House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled plans to investigate allegations of financial impropriety within the Mining Marshals and the reported discovery of over 2 billion naira in the bank account of a State Commander of the unit.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the need to investigate the performance, funding, legal status, and alleged corrupt practices and compromise of the Mining Marshals, sponsored by Abdulmaleek Danga.

Danga noted that the state commander was merely redeployed following the allegation instead of a formal judicial inquiry, prosecution, or internal disciplinary action.

This he said fuelled allegations that the Marshals are being compromised by affluent illegal mining syndicates.

Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over the day’s proceedings mandated the Committee on Solid Minerals Development to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the actions and performance of the Mining Marshals across the country to determine whether they are operating within their lawful mandate.

The committee is also expected to investigate allegations of corrupt enrichment, including the 2 billion naira account linked to a former State Commander and similar cases of compromise across the 36 states and the FCT.

The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.