The Anambra State Police Command has responded to a viral video showing police officers allegedly harassing and extorting a man in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to the victim’s wife, the police officers stopped her husband and asked for his documents. Even after he showed them all the required papers, she said the officers handcuffed him and took him away while insulting him and calling him a thief.
She further explained that the officers demanded ₦500,000 from him. Because he was afraid for his life and unsure whether the men were real police officers or kidnappers, he agreed to pay ₦200,000. The officers then took him to a POS operator so he could withdraw the money.
In response, the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, released a statement on Monday, March 16. He assured the public that any officer found responsible for the incident will not be protected by the police force.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okpoko had already received the complaint and quickly began efforts to identify the officers involved in the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has now ordered the DPO to present the officers involved for investigation and possible disciplinary action according to the rules of the Nigeria Police Force.
Initial findings from the investigation show that the DPO had earlier sent officers to identify the personnel accused in the incident.
The police also confirmed that the money allegedly taken from the victim has been returned. This strongly suggests that the officers acted wrongly and unprofessionally.
The investigation also indicates that the POS operator may have worked with the officers in the incident.
The police command repeated that it will not protect any officer found guilty, and those responsible will face disciplinary action following official procedures.
The Anambra State Police Command also stated that it remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and protecting the rights of citizens.
They added that more updates will be shared with the public as the investigation continues.
