A retired Commissioner of Police has cried out after a fruitless pursuit of his pension and gratuity for over 5 years.
Retired CP Friday Toyin Ibadin who retired as a Nigeria Police officer told NewsmakersNG how he had made over 30 trips to Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, within 5 years, in pursuit of his entitlements.
“They are killing me! The police have not paid me since I retired. No pension, no gratuity. They said my file was missing. I was not even paid my N5 million disengagement money that I could have settled down with.
“As a retired police commissioner, my pension is not more than N70,000. Is that money? Even, to give me the money is a problem. Let them give me the pension and gratuity, it’s a problem.
“What has shocked me is that those at the Pension Office are saying they cannot see my money, despite being captured and all their requirements complied with.”
Ibadin added, “I submitted my retirement letter on July 2nd, 2018. The letter was replied to five years later, on 12th April 2023. I’m begging the IGP to please intervene. Let them give me my entitlement. This is not a fair treatment of someone who served this country meritoriously. The police pension office and their modus are gradually affecting my health and standard of living.
“I met one Aliu Mustapha at the pension office who has not also been paid. After 35 years of meritorious service, he has traveled from his village to Abuja several times.
“I am entitled to a gardener, orderly, and cook; I have none, and they are not paying for it. They are killing officers and collecting their money. Please, this thing should stop.
“They will ask you to come. You’ll travel to Abuja, then they will tell you one of the officers in charge traveled for a burial. What’s going on for goodness’ sake?
“I met the Head of the Benefits department. He said they couldn’t find my resettlement money. I have visited Abuja over 30 times, and you say the money can’t be traced. I’ll be out on the streets if I don’t have other things to do. I have dependents, and I must take care of my health.”
