The police in Zone 16 Command Bayelsa State have recovered the sum of N10 million allegedly extorted from some corps members by unnamed policemen on September 17, 2024.
https://x.com/HarrisonBbi18/status/1853851644657549445
The amount was extorted from the corps members at a checkpoint on the East-West road.
However, an activist, Harrison Gwanmishu, took up the matter with a petition to the Inspector General of Police Complaint Response Unit.
The police swung into action and recovered the entire money from the errant policemen on Tuesday November 5, 2024.
The police in Zone 16 confirmed the development in a response to a tweet posted on X by the activist.
His post reads: “N10,000,000.00 CASH RECOVERY FROM POLICE OFFICERS FROM ZONE 16 BAYELSA STATE.
Is it not appalling that traveling along the East West Road has become a nightmare, with those responsible for protecting lives and properties instead engaging in extortion and harassment?
The situation is particularly dire for individuals entering Bayelsa from Delta towards Mbiama, who are frequently subjected to unlawful demands for money.
A disturbing incident occurred on September 17, 2024, when NYSC members traveling to Rivers State were forced into parting with N10,000,000. They were threatened, detained, and subjected to emotional distress.
The officers involved use an account belonging to NKEM ALOZIE of MALVIC GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED for their illicit activities.
❌ NO COMPLAINT AGAINST THE VICTIM
❌ NO INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE FOUND ON THEM
❌ NOBODY SIGNED THEIR BAIL BOND
This is not policing
Following a report I filed on October 25, 2024, with the Inspector General of Police Complaint Response Unit, a successful retrieval of the extorted funds was achieved on today, November 5, 2024.
The victims have provided statements to the police and the officers are attached to surveillance Unit AIG ZONE 16 Bayelsa State.
If no action is taken, these officers will continue to exploit innocent victims.”
The zonal command in its tweet replied: “Dear Dear @HarrisonBbi18, feedback appreciated. Thank you for contacting NPF-CRU, with the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), we say #NoToImpunity.”
A cursory check of the comments showed that the level of extortion on the stretch of the road after Patani in Delta State inbound Port Harcourt had remained high for a long time.
A respondent, @debbysimon65, wrote: ”
@PoliceNG
kidnapped NYSC Corpers and seized their phones and they called their relatives to donate N10m.@officialABAT and IGP no dey pay police salary? This is embarrassing to the world. IGP should Remove the bad eggs from the NPF.”
On a recent trip on the road, Metrostarng observed observed various checkpoints, some within a shouting distance, and comprising soldiers, policemen and civilians.
Each checkpoint consists of bamboo sticks placed in a crossed pattern across the centre of the inbound Port Harcourt side.
This is in addition to heavy pieces of wood placed on the tarmac, ostensibly to slow down approaching vehicles.
Whenever any vehicle stops at a checkpoint, particularly those manned by soldiers and policemen, they would demand settlement.
The driver would only be allowed to proceed after parting with some money, in most cases.
