…see video, as victims demand action
According to a video currently trending online, the money extorted by men of the Nigeria Police, Zone 16, Bayelsa State, from youth corps members has successfully been recovered.
The detail attached to the video is hereunder:
“N10,000,000.00 CASH RECOVERY FROM POLICE OFFICERS FROM ZONE 16 BAYELSA STATE
Is it not appalling that traveling along the East West Road has become a nightmare, with those responsible for protecting lives and properties instead engaging in extortion and harassment?
The situation is particularly dire for individuals entering Bayelsa from Delta towards Mbiama, who are frequently subjected to unlawful demands for money.
A disturbing incident occurred on September 17, 2024, when NYSC members traveling to Rivers State were forced into parting with N10,000,000. They were threatened, detained, and subjected to emotional distress.
The officers involved use an account belonging to NKEM ALOZIE of MALVIC GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED for their illicit activities.
❌ NO COMPLAINT AGAINST THE VICTIM
❌ NO INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE FOUND ON THEM
❌ NOBODY SIGNED THEIR BAIL BOND
This is not policing
Following a report I filed on October 25, 2024, with the Inspector General of Police Complaint Response Unit, a successful retrieval of the extorted funds was achieved on today, November 5, 2024.
The victims have provided statements to the police and the officers are attached to surveillance Unit AIG ZONE 16 Bayelsa State.
If no action is taken, these officers will continue to exploit innocent victims”.
Meanwhile, authorities of the Nigeria Police have responded to the alleged extortion against men of the force with a vow to ensuring appropriate punishment.
The police position contained in its release read thus:
PRESS RELEASE
ACCOUNTABILITY: IGP SPEAKS TOUGH ON ALLEGED EXTORTIONS, ORDERS STRINGENT PUNISHMENT FOR CORRUPT OFFICERS.
Reschedules workshop on Child Protection, Care for Monday 11th.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the force in some areas within the country, most especially the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.
The officers were alleged of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from a group of young Nigerians. The money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, and the Officers have since been detained and subjected to 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, as 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 of the Force thoroughly. 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 IGP further urges members of the public to make use of the following Police helpline & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram. Citizens can also contact us by mail via pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and through the police website at npf.gov.ng..
Similarly, to guarantee that officers within the Force receive adequate training in child care and protection and in effective investigations considerate of vulnerable individuals, most especially children in conflict with the law, the IGP has rescheduled the workshop with all Heads of Police investigative units to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The workshop will not only focus on enhancing technical capabilities but also emphasize the essential ethical principles when dealing with sensitive cases in order to have a child-friendly police system in Nigeria. By emphasizing compassion, transparency, and adherence to modern investigation techniques, the Nigeria Police Force aims to foster a culture of professionalism and accountability among its personnel, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the organization.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
8TH NOVEMBER, 2024
See video on #TheProfileNewspaper Facebook page.