The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA has expressed shocked and disappointment over the Imo State Police Command for tarnishing the already unpopular image of the Nigerian police force due to pervasive corruption and pursuit of pecuniary benefits.
The right group in a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko alleged that the Command charges fees ranging from N40,000 to N100,000 before responding to distress calls by members of the public who encounter societal undesirable elements.
HURIWA petitioned the National Assembly public complaints committee to investigate the scam going on within the ranks and files of the Nigerian police force in Imo state just as they wondered why human rights are not being enforced in Nigeria with specific concern about arbitrary arrests, detention, extortion and extrajudicial execution of citizens by police officers.
HURIWA reports that traffic division in front of Imo State command headquarters near Federal prisons in Owerri indiscriminately arrest unsuspecting drivers under false pretenses such as beating traffic lights.
‘’The offending police officer extorts between N2,000 to N20,000 from those arrested or takes them into custody if they resist payment.
Despite several attempts made by HURIWA’s National Coordinator through provided phone lines which were fruitless; when confronted by their senior officer wearing black colored uniform whose identity was concealed from public view said it doesn’t matter who we are just as he sarcastically claimed that “the police will do what they think is best.” This clearly indicates an organized robbery/extortion ring operated by officers at Imo State Police Command.
‘’Moreover, aside from routinely harassing young men driving exotic cars under false claims for fraud investigation purposes or framing up for crimes they didn’t commit until someone pays for their release or languishes indefinitely in detention facilities located at Owerri – three victims reported paying between 40-100k naira respectively after requesting assistance against hoodlums and thieves but shockingly had been asked for money before any intervention was carried out.’’
HURIWA called on IGP Kayode Egbetokun to deploy anonymously dressed armed spies across all commands nationwide immediately and ensure corrupt minded officials/operatives are removed because Nigerians have lost faith due serial extortion/brazen criminal acts which violate global policing ethics.
They also urged credible feedback platforms be activated instead using superficial contraptions like stated phone details circulated on social media handles since policing institution must either be overhauled or bigger ENDSARS protests will occur sooner than anticipated.
