Barely a few hours after the Nigerian Police Force issued a caution to officers indulging in criminal activities, a troubling incident has been reported in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. Policemen at a checkpoint on the Enyiogugu Mbaise road allegedly extorted and harassed over 50 youths, forcing them at gunpoint to transfer money from their bank accounts to designated POS account numbers.
Eyewitnesses described the ordeal as both shocking and infuriating, sparking widespread outrage among residents. Community members are calling on traditional rulers and local leaders to step in and halt what they termed as rampant abuse of power by the police, According to Sahara Reporters.
The extortion has reportedly driven many youths to avoid the checkpoint altogether, opting instead to travel at night—an action that exposes them to heightened risks of robbery and kidnapping.
Stanley, an eyewitness who spoke to journalists, implored the Imo State Police Command to urgently investigate the allegations and take necessary steps to safeguard the community. He emphasized that such incidents were not isolated and highlighted a broader issue of insecurity in the area.
“There have been reports of insecurity in Imo State, including kidnapping and armed robbery,” Stanley stated. “The state government and security agencies have been working to address the situation, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of citizens.”
In response to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, acknowledged the complaints and assured the public that the matter was under investigation. “This complaint is acknowledged. Necessary steps have been initiated to look into this and ensure that officers found culpable are severely sanctioned,” he said.
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This incident underscores the urgent need for reforms and accountability within the police force to restore public trust and ensure the safety of citizens in Imo State.
