Anambra Police Commissioner Directs DPO to Identify Officers in Viral Extortion Incident
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a formal response to a widely circulated video depicting police officers harassing and extorting a citizen in Onitsha, Anambra State. The incident, which has sparked public outrage, involved officers allegedly detaining a man, threatening him, and coercing him into paying a large sum of money.
Victim's Wife Details Harrowing Ordeal
According to the wife of the victim, the officers accosted her husband and demanded to see his documents. Despite providing all necessary paperwork, the officers reportedly handcuffed him and took him away, while verbally abusing him and labeling him a thief. She stated that the officers demanded N500,000 from her husband. Fearing for his safety and uncertain if they were genuine police officers or kidnappers, he agreed to pay N200,000. The officers then escorted him to a Point of Sale (POS) operator to withdraw the money.
Police Command's Swift Response and Investigation
In a statement released on Monday, March 16, by the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command assured the public that no officer involved in the incident would be protected. The statement emphasized that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okpoko had already intercepted the complaint and initiated steps to identify the officers responsible.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the DPO to produce the concerned officers for a thorough investigation and potential disciplinary action in accordance with Nigeria Police Force regulations.
Preliminary Findings and Ongoing Probe
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation have revealed several key points:
- The DPO had previously detailed officers to identify the personnel allegedly involved in the extortion.
- The money allegedly collected from the victim has been returned, indicating serious misconduct and unprofessional behavior by the officers.
- The involvement of the POS operator suggests possible conspiracy in the incident.
The command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of citizens' rights. It stated that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against any officer found culpable, following established procedures. Further developments in the case will be communicated to the public as the investigation progresses.
