Police Extortion: IGP Orders Severe Punishment Of Officers

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed his worries over the spate of extortion allegations against some officers of the force in various areas across the country.

In a statement on Friday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun specifically referenced a recent case involving officers from the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

In this case, officers identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins and Inspector Kuromare Marine were accused of extorting the sum of N10 million from some youths.

According to the statement, the money had been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16 and the officers have been detained and subjected to an orderly room trial.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct. The Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.”

“The IGP has, however, reassured the general public that the Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers thoroughly,” Adejobi said.

The force PRO states that the IG has ordered severe punishments for officers found guilty of misconduct.

Adejobi added, “In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force.”

“The IG further urges members of the public to make use of the following Police helpline and contacts to lodge complaints whenever necessary.”