Rivers state police command returns $3000 extorted from Abia travellers

The Rivers State Police Command recently returned $3000 on 23rd January 2024, that was extorted from Abia travellers by some of its officers.

The incident occurred on the 15th of January 2024, when the travellers were stopped by the police at a checkpoint in Rivers State and forced to pay the money.

According to reports, the travellers were on their way to Port Harcourt when they were stopped by the police at a checkpoint in Elele, Rivers State.

The officers demanded that they pay the sum of $3000 equivalent to N4.2m before they could be allowed to continue their journey, and threatened to detain them if they refused to comply.

The travellers, who were mostly traders, had no choice but to pay the money, as they were afraid of being detained and losing their goods.

However, they reported the incident to the Abia State Police Command, who launched an investigation into the matter.

The investigation led to the identification of the police officers involved in the extortion, who were subsequently arrested and detained.

The officers were also made to return the $3000 to the travellers, who expressed their gratitude to the police for their swift action.

The incident has once again highlighted the issue of police extortion in Nigeria, which has become a major concern for citizens.

Many Nigerians have complained about the high level of corruption in the police force, which has eroded public trust and confidence in the institution.

The Rivers State Police Command has promised to take disciplinary action against the officers involved in the extortion,

She urged members of the public to report any cases of police misconduct to the appropriate authorities.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook