Police Arrest Four Personnel over Extortion of 25,000 from Traveller

By Ibrahim Oyewale

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three of its personnel for extorting N25,000 from a traveller, while they also physically assaulted another traveller.

A statement signed by state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, in Lokoja on Sunday, said the Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda Danban, disclosed that the suspects were arrested in connection with a trending video where the police personnel attached to Adogo Division, while on patrol duty along Adogo-Okene road, reportedly extorted the sum of N25,000 from the traveller, while another was physically assaulted by one of the men in uniform.

While condemning the incident, Danban noted that the police officers have been identified and detained at the state Criminal Investigations Department, noting the command has commenced investigations into the matter.

The officers are ASP Isah Barnabas, Inspector Ifediegwu Godwin, Sgt Emmanuel Ochima and CPL Umameh Mathias who physically assaulted one of the travellers.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Barnabas has been issued an official query, while the three other junior officers are currently undergoing orderly room trial (police internal disciplinary actions).

The CP further noted that the command is doing its best to establish contact with the victims. He enjoined the victims to reach out to the command thorough 08107899269.

He assured Nigerians that any of the officers found wanting in the investigations would be dealt with accordingly.