A legal practitioner, Chibuzor Obiajunwa, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, demanding the sack and prosecution of three police officers allegedly involved in extortion in Abuja.
In the petition dated May 18 obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, he said the demotion of the officers was not enough.
Obiajunwa said the trio had intercepted an unregistered Mercedes Benz at Gwarimpa, Abuja and forced its occupants to part with the sum of N29.4 million.
According to him, this was established in the Orderly Room Trial convened by the police for the purpose of the investigation of the conduct of the police officers.
He said the petition was to remind the I-G that keeping officers found guilty of extortion by the police internal investigations to remain in the force was not healthy.
Obiajunwa said keeping such extortionists in the police would amount to self-sabotage in trying to repair its battered image and regain the confidence of Nigerians.
He said the first duty of the police was to safeguard the lives and property of the public.
He said: “I cannot resist the temptation to remind you at this juncture that this is exactly the type of apathy and aloofness that resulted in the ‘end-SARS’ protests.
“I hope you realise the gravity of men using the toga and colours of the Nigerian Police to intimidate citizens into parting with their monies.”
The lawyer said demoting the officers as punishment for a serious offence like extortion would negatively dampen the morale of honest policemen within rank and file.
Obiajunwa said failure of the police to arraign the officers in court in spite of the fact that extortion was a crime under Nigerian law would worsen the situation and public suspicion would be established.
NAN reports that the Nigeria Police Force on May 17, 2024 announced the demotion of the three officers to their previous ranks over the alleged extortion.
The police said the officers, attached to the Special Tactical Squad, were demoted to their previous ranks of Sergeant after thorough investigations confirmed their involvement in the act.
Also Read:
- Redefining the cultural essence of Yoruba kingship, by Remi Ladigbolu
- Why some gospel artistes left Christ Embassy — Oyakhilome
- Appeal Court sets date for hearing in N579b claim by Kashamu’s firm
- Nkem Owoh at 70: He is Enugu’s precious gift to the world — Mbah
- Celebrating a Legacy: Dr. Aina marks his 70th birthday in grand style
The report said when reported by Harrison Gwamnishu via X, the matter was taken up and properly investigated.
The report said the monies had been returned to the complainant, while the officers were subjected to orderly room trial in line with extant laws and had been demoted.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
