‘Boko Haram made me to leave policing for crime’

Paul

Mr. Paul Irior 37 is a dismissed police corporal, who joined the Princewell Arinze (Eze), alias Nwobodo led gang of suspected robbers and fraudsters.

He said he was dismissed from police after he was posted to Bauchi State, but refused to report to his duty.

He said: “I refused to go to the north because of the way Boko Haram militants were killing policemen. I didn’t want to die.”

In a close up chat with our correspondent, Irior gave more insight into his life. Excerpts;

What brought a dismissed policeman to SARS?

I’m here because of a case.

When did you join the police?

2004.

Why were kicked out of the force?

I was transferred to Bauchi State, but I refused to go.  

Why didn’t you report to Bauchi?

It was in the heydays of Boko Haram. They were everywhere!

Didn’t you want to fight Boko Haram for Nigeria?

The fight was too tough.   

Since that 2014 what have you been doing?

I have been at home, helping my wife

Where you scared Boko Haram would kill you? How many kids do you have?

 I have two children.

How did you now team up with senator and his gang?

There was a day I went to my former office at Area F Police Command; I met a friend called Steve, although the guy is no longer alive. He gave me Senator Princewell Nwobodo’s phone number.

What was his aim in giving you the senator’s phone number?

The senator is from my state. I’m from Epoma, Uje. I called the senator and he asked me to come and meet him. I did.

What did you tell your friend before he gave you the senator’s phone number?

The guy told me there was a senator who used to assist people. He said the senator is from my place. He said the senator was a very good man.

When you got there, what did he tell you?   

He told me there was a work he would like me to follow him to do.

Are you telling us that you didn’t know the work you were going for?

The first time I didn’t know. But by the time I went for the second operation, I knew.

What did you do when you realized you are with criminals?

The first time we went out, I was outside the bank when senator called some people to come and meet him. They discussed at length and he later called me to come inside the car. I saw two bureau de change operators inside his car. He said we should arrest them.

Were you wearing any police or EFCC vest?

No. I just had handcuffs. I didn’t have any gun.

Where did you get the handcuffs?

It’s for me. The handcuff was the one I was using when I was a policeman.

What about your police ID card?

I didn’t surrender it.

You showed him all those things before he said you should work with me.

Yes!

Why did you now say you didn’t know what you were supposed to do with senator?

The first time I didn’t know, until we got there.

How much was your share the first time?

I can’t remember.

What year was that?

2014.

You don’t want to tell us?

No! It’s because we have done a lot of work.

How many operations have you done?

About seven or eight.

How many property do you have?

I love cars! I use all my money to buy cars.

 How many cars do you have?

I have three cars’ one Lexus and two Camry cars.

Don’t you have house?

I have. It’s in my village.

Is your wife aware of the nature of your business?

No! My wife is doesn’t much with me. She’s doing business in my town.

Is your wife aware of your arrest?

I’m not sure. I think she is aware but people around me know I’m here.

How do you feel about where you are now?

I feel so bad. I regret because I’m not supposed to be here. Since I came to SARS, I’ve seen a lot of things. I now feel sober. SARS is just like a school. If I get out now, I’ll have a lot to tell people because I found out a lot of thing have happened to me. I pray I can stand when I get out because I don’t think I can bear this anymore.

How were you arrested?

I was about travelling to see my family in Benue. I live at Alakuko. I was about leaving for Benue State when SARS men came to arrest me.

How does senator get you for operation?

He calls me on phone.

As a former policeman, didn’t it ever cross your mind that you might be arrested one day?

Anything that has a beginning must surely have an end.

You were ready for the arrest?

No! But I know crime is not a thing anybody should involve themselves in; imagine me sitting here and everybody looking at me. I feel so disgraced. I feel for my family.