Police Arrest Four Officers Over Alleged ₦53,000 Extortion of ICPC Boss

Four police officers attached to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have been arrested for allegedly extorting ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), at an illegal checkpoint in Abuja.

According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, the officers, who were unaware of the identity of their victim, forced Dr. Aliyu to withdraw the money from a nearby Point of Sale (POS) terminal before allegedly sharing the proceeds among themselves.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Sanusi described the suspects as “criminal elements” who have no place in the Nigeria Police Force.

He explained that investigations revealed the officers had abandoned their official duty posts and established an unauthorized checkpoint around the Banex area in Wuse, where they allegedly targeted and extorted unsuspecting motorists.

Following complaints, the command declared the suspects wanted before arresting the alleged leader of the group. His confession subsequently led investigators to the arrest of the three other officers involved.

The Commissioner assured the public that all officers found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures, including dismissal where necessary.

Sanusi also reiterated that police officers have no legal authority to stop members of the public for the purpose of searching their mobile phones during routine patrols. He urged residents to refuse such unlawful requests and report any officer involved through the police emergency lines.

He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to identifying, investigating, and sanctioning officers engaged in extortion, illegal checkpoints, and other forms of misconduct, stressing that corruption within the force would not be tolerated.