Five police officers from Zone 6 Police Headquarters in Cross River are currently in custody for allegedly abducting and extorting 3 million naira from a victim.
According to Vanguard, the incident occurred while the team was on patrol along the Ikom-Calabar highway. In a press release signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), SP Nelson Okpabi, and made available to Vanguard on Tuesday, it was disclosed that the officers were alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct.
Okpabi 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 3 million naira from an individual last week."
He said, "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 further noted, "Police officers attached to the Zone, while on patrol along the Ikom-Calabar highway, were alleged to have indulged in corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct. The five officers have been taken into custody and investigation commenced."
He added that the Assistant Inspector General of Police has vowed to ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against the erring officers to serve as a deterrent to others.
"The outcome of the investigation and disciplinary measures, including orderly trial and possible prosecution, will be made known to the public in due course," Okpabi stated.