Shock as policeman steals N20m, collects salaries from 15 commands

 

A policeman, Victor Banor, has allegedly stolen N20 million meant for Enugu State Police Command and also fraudulently collected salaries from over 15 different commands meant for other policemen.

The police said Banor opened over 25 bank accounts with different names, forged documents and identity cards presenting him as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP).
The police counsel, Justin Enang, said that Banor was dismissed while serving at the Umunede Police Division in Delta State, for allegedly stealing an exhibit vehicle in a criminal case under investigation.
He added that the applicant escaped from detention and resurfaced at the Enugu State Command with a falsified signature, claiming to be an SP. Enang claimed that Banor stole N20 million meant for salaries of officers of the Enugu State Police Command. He said: “After the officer-incharge of the command’s Mechanised Salary Section (MSS) retired, the applicant assumed office as the O/C MSS.
It was while holding this position in March 2011 that he absconded with the money. “While absconding from office, Banor dropped a note stating that nobody should look for him because he had resigned to join militant groups in the creeks of the Niger Delta region.”
The prosecutor said that several officers under the accused complained that their salaries were diverted and that he did not turn up until he was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State on April 15. He said: “When he was arrested, he claimed to be a CSP, flashing a police warrant card and demanding to be shown respect as a senior officer.
“Photocopies of forged police identity cards were found on him, with ‘CSP,’ Ahamefuna Banor V. and ‘W/SGT’ Hannah Markson Banor, among other names. “Police found badges and insignia of a DCP at his home, and he absconded with a police Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
“Ongoing investigation revealed a barrage of forgeries by Banor, who opened more than 25 bank accounts using fictitious names with which he had been collecting monthly salaries from over 15 command payrolls.” Enang argued that if Banor was released on bail, he would not make himself available for trial as he would run away as usual.
He had argued that many lives were still at risk since Banor had refused to produce the police automatic weapon he absconded with.