By: Our Correspondent
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory has arrested four officers accused of extorting N53,000 from Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), during an unauthorized stop-and-search operation in Abuja.
During a press conference on Monday, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi criticized the officers, labeling them as “thieves” who have brought shame to the police force through their actions.
Investigations revealed that the officers allegedly left their designated posts, gathered in the Banex area of Wuse, and set up an illegal checkpoint to target drivers for extortion. Unbeknownst to them, they stopped the ICPC chairman and forced him to withdraw cash via a Point of Sale (POS) operator.
Sanusi stated that Aliyu withdrew N53,000, paid the transaction fees, and handed over the money, which the officers reportedly divided among themselves.
“I must emphasize that we currently have four policemen in custody who successfully extorted a person of significant status, not realizing that this individual holds a high position in society. In clear terms, they extorted the ICPC Chairman.
“They extorted him for N53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the fees, and they shared the money among themselves.”
The police chief noted that the suspects acted as a criminal group rather than as law enforcement officials.
“They are a gang of criminals who left their respective divisions, gathered in Wuse Banex, and established a checkpoint to carry out this act before fleeing.”
Sanusi revealed that the command had declared the officers wanted before locating their leader, whose confession led investigators to the other members of the group.
“We apprehended all of them. We will ensure they face severe consequences. Those who will be dismissed will certainly be dismissed.”
The commissioner also reminded officers and the public that the Inspector-General of Police has prohibited the indiscriminate searching of citizens’ mobile phones during patrols.
“You cannot stop anyone on the road and demand that they show you their phone for inspection. If a policeman stops you and requests to search your phone, do not comply. Call the police emergency numbers, and we will inquire about it.”
He encouraged residents to report any instances of extortion or misconduct by police officers promptly, assuring them that wrongdoers would be identified and punished.
“We will continue to enforce the IG’s directive. Some officers are on duty with criminal intentions. If we catch them, they will face disciplinary measures and the consequences of their actions.”
(Source: P.M News)
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