Omanghana
Four Nigerian police officers have been arrested in Abuja after allegedly setting up an illegal roadblock and extorting money from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
The incident, which Dr. Aliyu disclosed during an interview with BBC Hausa, occurred after the officers reportedly abandoned their assigned duty posts to operate an unauthorized checkpoint where they demanded money from motorists.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Dr. Aliyu, the officers stopped his vehicle at the illegal checkpoint, and one of them entered the car to request his driver’s licence.
The officer allegedly accused him of committing a traffic offence and threatened to take him to court, claiming the offence carried a fine of 52,000 naira.
When Dr. Aliyu agreed to face the legal process instead of paying a bribe, the officer reportedly changed tactics and demanded cash on the spot, rejecting the option of a bank transfer.
He said he was then compelled to drive to a nearby automated teller machine (ATM), where he withdrew 53,000 naira—about £28 or $38—and handed the money to the officer.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the incident, Dr. Aliyu immediately reported the matter to the authorities, prompting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to launch an intelligence-led investigation.
The operation led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader and three other officers believed to have participated in the extortion.
The four officers have since been taken into custody and are undergoing an expedited orderly room trial, the internal disciplinary process used by the Nigeria Police Force.
Officers Face Possible Dismissal
FCT Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi strongly condemned the officers’ actions, warning that they could face severe disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from the police service.
Addressing officers after the arrests, Sanusi delivered a stern warning against corruption.
“You have to choose: either a policeman or a thief. You cannot be both.”
Renewed Focus on Police Corruption
The case has reignited public debate over corruption within Nigeria’s police force, particularly the persistent problem of illegal roadside checkpoints and extortion of motorists.
Although the victim in this case happened to be the head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, many Nigerians have long complained about similar experiences involving rogue officers.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger police reforms, improved welfare for officers, and stricter accountability measures to tackle corruption and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Source: Omanghana
