The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations of extortion by officers stationed in the Kubwa area of Abuja.
This follows the circulation of a video on social media showing officers allegedly demanding money from a motorist who violated traffic laws.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
She revealed that the officers captured in the video had been identified and invited for questioning.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to reports circulating on social media alleging the extortion of a motorist who contravened traffic laws in the Kubwa area on Saturday, November 16, 2024,” the statement read.
Police Promise Swift Action
Adeh assured the public that the Command is committed to investigating the incident thoroughly to establish the facts.
“In response to these allegations, the Command promptly identified and invited the officers seen in the video for questioning,” she stated.
She added that the complainant had been urged to come forward with further evidence to substantiate her claims.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability within its ranks,” Adeh emphasized.
She reassured residents of the FCT that the Police would not tolerate misconduct among its officers.
Public Encouraged to Report Misconduct
As part of efforts to address public concerns, the Police Command encouraged members of the public to report any incidents of misconduct.
“The Command encourages members of the public to report any instances of police misconduct within the FCT to our dedicated lines: Public Complaints Bureau at 09022222352 or the Complaint Response Unit at 08107314192,” Adeh advised.
The Command further reiterated its commitment to fostering integrity and holding errant officers accountable.
A Familiar Outcry Over Police Behavior
This latest incident is one of many complaints of misconduct that have dogged the Nigerian Police Force in recent years.
Allegations of extortion, bribery, and unprofessional conduct have fueled public distrust in the force, despite ongoing reform efforts.
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) protests of 2020 highlighted similar issues, forcing the government to disband the controversial unit.
Since then, citizens have continued to call for transparency and accountability in policing, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
Social Media Sparks Action
Videos like the one that emerged from Kubwa have become a powerful tool for exposing misconduct.
Activists and ordinary Nigerians have increasingly turned to social media to highlight abuses and demand justice.
One Abuja resident, who declined to be named, remarked, “The Police would not act on cases like this if not for social media. It’s good that people now have a platform to speak up.”
The viral video has sparked widespread debate, with many urging the Police to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
