An Asian man has publicly expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force's Complaint Response Unit for assisting him in recovering N150,000 that was extorted from him by a police officer in Lagos. The incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct, was shared on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to seek justice through official channels.
Details of the Extortion Incident
According to a video posted online, the Asian man was traveling in an Uber to a bar in Ikeja, Lagos State, to watch the AFCON match between Nigeria and Morocco. During the journey, a police officer stopped the vehicle and demanded to see his passport to verify his legal residency in Nigeria. The man explained that he did not have his passport with him at that moment, prompting him to contact his staff to retrieve it from his apartment and bring it to the location.
Threats and Forced Payment
While waiting for the passport to arrive, the situation escalated when the officer forcibly removed the Asian man from the Uber and threatened him with a gun. Fearing for his safety, the man quickly complied with the officer's demand and transferred N150,000 to them. He emphasized that he acted out of fear, prioritizing his personal security over the financial loss.
Seeking Justice Through the Complaint Unit
After the extortion incident, the man felt cheated and decided to seek recourse. He turned to Google to research how to address such injustices and discovered the Police Complaint Response Unit. Following the submission of a formal complaint, his case was promptly investigated by the unit.
Successful Recovery of Funds
The intervention of the Complaint Response Unit led to a positive outcome, with the extorted N150,000 being recovered and returned to the man's account. This success story underscores the importance of such mechanisms in holding law enforcement accountable and providing relief to victims of misconduct.
The man's experience serves as a reminder for residents and visitors in Nigeria to utilize official complaint channels when faced with similar issues, potentially contributing to broader efforts to curb police extortion and improve public trust in security agencies.
