A group of Nigerian police officers from the Supernumerary (Spy) Police Unit (SPU) has accused Commissioner of Police Allen Abiola of financial impropriety and mismanagement, relating to a covert fundraising initiative dubbed the “Dinner Project.”

Allegations

• The petition, submitted to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), claims CP Abiola solicited ₦25 million (converted to $10,000) from SPU officers under the guise of a project to change the unit’s uniform from grey to black-on-black.
• Officers alleged that Abiola unilaterally handled the transfer of the funds to then-Principal Personal Assistant to the IGP, CP Joseph Owuabunwa, without the participation of stakeholders, contrary to prior agreement.
• Stakeholders claim Abiola refused repeated requests to verify the handover, causing suspicion that the $10,000 was never delivered.
• Alleged misconduct has reportedly created distrust, divisions, and rebellion within the SPU.

Calls for Investigation

The petitioners urged the IGP to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into the “Dinner Project.”
2. Require CP Abiola to produce receipts or evidence proving the funds were delivered.
3. Examine potential abuse of office, extortion, or professional misconduct.
4. Issue guidelines prohibiting unapproved fundraising within the police force.

Additional Concerns

• Officers also questioned CP Abiola’s academic credentials, including claims of a professorship from Elizade University and a PhD from Cameroon, which sources say are disputable.
• Attempts to reach Elizade University or CP Abiola for confirmation/comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Background

According to sources, despite several petitions over time, police authorities have not acted decisively on complaints against CP Abiola, which has exacerbated tensions within the SPU.