Six Police Officers Detained Over ₦200,000 Extortion in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested six officers from the Okpoko Police Division in Onitsha for allegedly extorting ₦200,000 from a victim using a PoS operator.

This arrest came after a video circulated widely, showing the victim’s wife recounting how her husband, a beverage seller, was reportedly harassed, handcuffed, and extorted by police officers while returning from Relief Market in Onitsha, where he had gone to purchase drinks with his bus.

Reports indicate that the incident took place over the weekend at the busy Upper Iweka area of the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway.

In the video, the victim’s wife explained that her husband was stopped under the Upper Iweka flyover by police officers who requested his vehicle’s documents, which he provided and were confirmed to be valid.

Despite having the correct documents, the police allegedly arrested him, confiscated his papers, and demanded a transfer of ₦500,000. He negotiated and ultimately transferred ₦200,000 to an undisclosed account via a PoS operator to avoid detention.

The officers reportedly used a PoS operator located in the Okpoko area, a commercial hub near Onitsha, to facilitate the transaction.

A voice-over in the video indicated that the police routinely coerced other victims in the area to pay similar amounts daily to evade further repercussions.

In response to the situation, the Command acknowledged the viral video in a press release, stating that it is under investigation.

On Monday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s Spokesman, confirmed that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the detention of the six officers involved while investigations continue.

Ikenga revealed that the detained officers include two Assistant Superintendents of Police and four Inspectors of Police.

He also mentioned that the money taken from the victim has been returned, highlighting the serious misconduct of the officers.

The statement included, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the detention of the six officers allegedly involved in the incident pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The officers include two Assistant Superintendents of Police and four Inspectors of Police. Additionally, senior officers linked to the incident have been questioned, and statements from the other ranks involved have been taken in accordance with established Police investigative procedures.

The Command is also taking steps to apprehend the alleged PoS operator in Onitsha, whose involvement indicates a possible conspiracy in the matter.

Furthermore, through the Divisional Police Officer, Okpoko, the Command invites the victim to come forward and provide further testimony to assist in the investigation and inform subsequent disciplinary actions.

He assured the public that the Anambra State Police Command is handling the issue with the utmost seriousness and will communicate any further developments.