In a significant development, the Nigeria Police Force has detained five officers from the Zone 6 Police Headquarters in Cross River State on charges of abduction and extortion of N3 million, as reported by PUNCH.
These officers, who were on patrol duty along the Ikom-Calabar highway, are now under investigation for their alleged involvement in the crime.
The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nelson Okpabi, issued a statement on Tuesday detailing the incident. He stated, “The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 headquarters Calabar, AIG Jonathan Towuru, frowns at the unprofessional conduct of some police officers alleged to have abducted and fraudulently extorted N3,000,000 from an individual last week.”
AIG Towuru has ordered an in-depth investigation to determine the facts surrounding the allegations and to ensure appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.
“The AIG has ordered a high-powered investigation into the matter to uncover the facts behind the allegations for an informed disciplinary measure to be taken,” Okpabi said.
The incident reportedly occurred while the officers were patrolling the Ikom-Calabar highway, a route notorious for various security challenges. “Recall that Police Officers attached to the Zone, while on patrol along Ikom-Calabar highway, were alleged to have indulged in corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct,” Okpabi noted.
In response to the serious nature of the accusations, the five officers have been taken into custody as investigations proceed. AIG Towuru has assured the public that any officers found guilty of misconduct will face strict disciplinary measures.
“The Assistant Inspector General of Police has vowed to ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against erring officers to serve as deterrence to others,” Okpabi emphasized.