Four Police Officers Detained Over Alleged ₦53,000 Extortion of ICPC Chairman in Abuja

Four police officers attached to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have been detained over allegations that they extorted ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed the development on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja, stating that the officers were in custody and undergoing disciplinary procedures over the alleged misconduct.

According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the officers allegedly abandoned their assigned duty locations, moved to the Banex area of Wuse, and established an illegal checkpoint where they reportedly stopped motorists and demanded money.

Sanusi alleged that the officers stopped Dr. Aliyu without knowing his identity and compelled him to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, including transaction charges, before allegedly sharing the money among themselves.

The police commissioner described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the professional standards expected of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the command immediately commenced investigation after receiving information about the incident, adding that the officers were declared wanted before the alleged leader of the group was arrested, leading investigators to other suspects.

Sanusi assured that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with police regulations, including possible dismissal where necessary.

He reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police prohibiting officers on patrol from carrying out indiscriminate searches of citizens’ mobile phones, warning against unlawful stops and harassment of members of the public.

The commissioner advised residents who encounter illegal demands, extortion or abuse by police personnel to report such incidents through official complaint channels and emergency contact lines.

He added that the command would continue efforts to identify and sanction officers involved in misconduct while working to strengthen public confidence in policing across the FCT.