The Nigerian Police Force’s Zone 16 in Yenagoa has detained some of its officers following allegations of extorting N10 million from a civilian.
This comes after swift actions by the newly appointed Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the zone, Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, to investigate the case.
The zone’s spokesperson, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonema, confirmed the incident in a statement and explained that the alleged extortion occurred on September 17, 2024.
According to Emonema, AIG Hamzat ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter after assuming his position on October 21, and addressed the complaint quickly.
The investigation led to the recovery of the full N10 million on November 5, which has since been returned to the victim.
“The new AIG on assumption of duty swiftly took up the pending matter and directed the Zonal X-Squad to investigate and the said sum of N10m was recovered and handed over yesterday November 5, while the police officers responsible for the misconduct have been in detention since October 30 and facing a departmental disciplinary action,” the statement reads.
He added that the officers implicated have been in custody since October 30, facing disciplinary proceedings.