FCT Police Arrest Officers Over Alleged ICPC Chairman Extortion

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four police officers accused of extorting ₦53,000 from ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) during an alleged illegal stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi said the officers abandoned their assigned duty posts, gathered around the Banex area of Wuse, and set up an unauthorised checkpoint. According to him, they stopped the ICPC Chairman without knowing his identity and forced him to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) operator. He added that the officers made him pay the transaction charges before sharing the money among themselves.

“They extorted him of ₦53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves,” he said.

Sanusi described the officers as “a gang of criminals” and said they fled after the incident. He explained that the command declared them wanted before arresting the group’s leader, whose confession led investigators to the remaining suspects.

“We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed,” Sanusi said.

The FCT Police Command also reminded officers that the Inspector-General of Police has prohibited the indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones during patrols.

“You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines and we will ask them why,” he said.

Sanusi encouraged residents to report cases of extortion and other police misconduct promptly, assuring the public that officers found guilty would face disciplinary action.

How can stronger accountability measures help reduce police misconduct and restore public confidence?