Four police officers attached to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have been detained for allegedly extorting ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), during an illegal stop-and-search operation in Abuja.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed the development yesterday, saying the officers had abandoned their official duty posts and mounted an unauthorized checkpoint around the Banex area in Wuse, where they allegedly preyed on motorists.
According to Sanusi, the officers stopped Dr. Aliyu without recognizing him, forced him to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, made him pay the transaction charges, and allegedly shared the money among themselves.
The Police commissioner described the officers as “criminals” who had no place in the Nigeria Police Force, revealing that the Command declared them ‘wanted’ after receiving complaints. Investigators first arrested the alleged ringleader, whose confession led to the arrest of the remaining three officers.
Sanusi vowed that the officers would face severe disciplinary measures if found culpable, including dismissal from the Force where appropriate.
He also reiterated that Police personnel on patrol have no authority to stop citizens and search their mobile phones, stressing that such practices remain prohibited under the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
He urged members of the public to report officers involved in extortion, illegal checkpoints, or unlawful phone searches through official police complaint channels.
