DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Police to probe extortion allegations at Enugu checkpoints

From The Punch · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Enugu State Police Command will investigate allegations of extortion by security personnel at checkpoints in Nsukka following a viral social media complaint.
  • A social media user alleged that motorists and commercial riders were forced to make illegal payments at multiple police and army checkpoints.
  • The Police Public Relations Officer assured that the matter would be escalated for immediate action and requested further evidence.

The Enugu State Police Command has pledged to thoroughly investigate allegations of extortion targeting motorists and commercial riders at various checkpoints in the Nsukka area. This commitment follows a viral complaint on social media, where a X user, DJ SpoiltKid, detailed experiences of being compelled to make illegal payments at multiple police and army checkpoints.

Nsukka is under siege by uniformed extortionists. How can a person drive from Odenigbo to Ogrute and have to ‘settle’ at three police checkpoints and two army checkpoints?

— DJ SpoiltKidDescribing the alleged widespread extortion at checkpoints in Nsukka on social media.

The complainant described the situation as "broad-daylight robbery of the poor," highlighting the burden placed on tricycle and motorcycle operators already struggling with high fuel costs and taxes. The user directly appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in what they termed a "siege by uniformed extortionists."

This is not security; this is broad-daylight robbery of the poor.

— DJ SpoiltKidCharacterizing the alleged illegal payments as theft rather than legitimate security measures.

In response, the Enugu State Police Command spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, assured the public that the matter would be escalated for immediate action. He stated, "We aren't going to accept this manner of alleged action by any police officer in Enugu State." Ndukwe also requested the complainant to provide a clearer version of any attached pictures to aid the ongoing investigation, underscoring the command's commitment to addressing unprofessional conduct within its ranks.

I’ll escalate this immediately. Rest assured, action will be taken. We aren’t going to accept this manner of alleged action by any police officer in Enugu State.

— Daniel NdukweEnugu State Police PRO's assurance of an investigation and action against alleged extortion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog