In a shocking case of police misconduct, two officers from the Awkunanaw Police Station in Enugu State are facing trial after extorting N1 million from a traveller.
The incident, which unfolded on December 6, 2024, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
The victim’s brother, identified as @Mr_Robmichael1 on X (formerly Twitter), shared the alarming details of the incident.
According to his account, his younger brother was stopped by the officers while travelling to Umuahia, abducted, and taken to an undisclosed location where he was forced to withdraw the money.
The situation escalated when the officers demanded an additional N50,000 for the use of a POS machine to process the withdrawal.
A Startling Revelation on Social Media
The brother’s social media post quickly gained attention, as he recounted the harrowing experience.
“Nigerian Police officer in Enugu used POS to collect 1m from my younger brother after kidnapping him and took him to unknown village,” @Mr_Robmichael1 wrote.
He further revealed that the officers were attached to the MTD unit of the Awkunanaw Police Station in Garriki, Enugu.
The shocking details of the extortion immediately sparked public outrage, leading to an outcry for justice.
“1 million naira recovered from Nigerian Police officers attached to Awkunanaw Police station, MTD, Garriki, Enugu,” @Mr_Robmichael1 tweeted, calling attention to the unlawful act.
The brother also thanked other individuals who helped in the recovery of the extorted money.
“Thanks to @Jamessucre2 @DanNdukwe,” he wrote.
Police Action and Recovery of Funds
The Enugu State Police Command quickly responded to the disturbing incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dan Ndukwe, confirmed the extortion and expressed strong condemnation.
In a public statement, Ndukwe assured the public that the officers involved would face strict disciplinary measures.
“The officers involved will face consequences for their actions,” Ndukwe said, making it clear that such behavior was unacceptable within the police force.
The recovery of the stolen money was made possible after @Mr_Robmichael1 and others took swift action.
He updated the public, writing, “We are (at) the police station, MTD Police Station, Garriki, Enugu, waiting for the refund.”
Ndukwe and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the MTD station, Mr. Chukwuegu Longinus, assisted in identifying the officers responsible and ensuring that the extorted N1 million was returned.
“This is totally unacceptable,” Ndukwe reiterated, emphasizing that merely returning the money would not suffice.
“The police officers involved will have to dance to the music they tuned on,” he added, hinting at serious consequences for the officers involved.
Community Outrage and Calls for Accountability
This case of police extortion has left many Nigerians disillusioned with law enforcement in the country.
Residents of Enugu and citizens across Nigeria have expressed their disbelief at the audacity of the officers.
“This is the kind of behavior that continues to tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Police Force,” said a local resident.
“We cannot allow a few bad apples to ruin the reputation of the entire police force,” another added.
Critics argue that this incident is not isolated and call for greater oversight and accountability within the NPF.
“This is a mess, and it’s clear that corruption within the police force is still rampant,” @Mr_Robmichael1 tweeted.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Justice
Despite the shock and outrage, police officials have vowed to address the issue head-on.
Ndukwe assured the public that the investigation into the extortion would continue and that the officers involved would face the full weight of the law.
“This is not the police force we want to represent Nigeria,” he said.
“I am not dirty, and the NPF I work for is not dirty. But we cannot overlook actions that go against the ethics of our profession.”
He also thanked the DPO of the Awkunanaw Police Station for his quick response after the case was reported.
“The DPO, Mr. Chukwuegu Longinus, immediately acted on the report and helped recover the money from the officers involved,” Ndukwe acknowledged.
