By Olawumi Oyehan
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has said that it has detained four police officers over allegations extorting ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Abuja.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, who disclosed this while briefing journalists, Abuja, said the officers have been taken into custody and are undergoing disciplinary procedures over the incident.
According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations indicate that the officers allegedly abandoned their assigned duty posts, converged around the Banex area in Wuse, and set up an illegal checkpoint where they reportedly extorted money from motorists.
Sanusi alleged that the officers stopped Dr. Aliyu without recognising him and compelled him to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, in addition to paying the associated transaction charges, before allegedly sharing the money among themselves.
He described the officers’ actions as criminal and inconsistent with the standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that they would face appropriate disciplinary measures if found culpable.
The police commissioner said the command launched an investigation immediately after the incident came to its attention. He explained that the officers were declared wanted, while the arrest of the alleged gang leader subsequently led investigators to the other suspects.
“You have to choose to be one: either a policeman or a thief. You cannot be both at the same time. If you fail to choose, your actions will determine where you belong,” he condemned.
The CP also reminded officers of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive banning the indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones.
He said no police officer has the right to stop people on the road and demand access to their phones over suspicions of cybercrime or internet fraud.
Sanusi assured that the command would ensure all those found responsible are sanctioned in accordance with police regulations, including dismissal where applicable.
The commissioner also reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police prohibiting officers on patrol from conducting indiscriminate searches of citizens’ mobile phones.
Sanusi further encouraged residents to promptly report incidents of extortion, harassment and other forms of police misconduct, assuring that the command remains committed to identifying erring officers and holding them accountable.
The police commissioner also gave updates on other security operations carried out by the command.
He said operatives foiled a kidnap attempt in Gawuraka along the Niger-FCT border and rescued a female kidnap victim who had been abducted in Karshi. A pistol, dagger, military camouflage and assorted charms were recovered during the operation.
Sanusi also announced the arrest of Umaru Danda, who was described as a major supplier of logistics to kidnappers operating around Mpape.
According to him, the suspect supplied hard drugs and other items to criminal gangs. His arrest led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, large quantities of tramadol, suspected cocaine, cannabis, cash, ATM cards and other exhibits from three hideouts in Niger State.
The command also arrested four suspects accused of hijacking Bolt and Uber vehicles after posing as passengers. The suspects — Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar — were arrested with two stolen vehicles, a Toyota RAV4 and a Honda Civic.
In another operation, police arrested three suspected “one-chance” robbers after a chase along the Life Camp-Gwarinpa underpass. Officers recovered a knife, scissors, screwdriver, rope, mobile phones, a wig and suspected cannabis from them.
Sanusi further disclosed that operatives arrested suspected armed robbers following a distress call from Nyanya, where five armed men allegedly attacked a resident after breaking into the premises through the perimeter fence.
One suspect was arrested after investigators followed a trail of blood to his hideout, while another suspect and a chemist accused of treating the injured fleeing suspect were later arrested.
Recovered items included a toy gun, machetes, a military belt, counterfeit currency, jewellery, identity cards and assorted charms.
Sanusi said all the suspects would be charged in court after investigations are completed.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and intelligence-led policing.
”The successes recorded are largely due to information from patriotic residents. We urge members of the public to continue supporting the police because security is a collective responsibility,” he said.