The Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State has begun an investigation following a viral video accusing some officers attached to the Okpoko Divisional Police headquarters in Onitsha of extorting money from a victim.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, alleged that the officers arrested the victim, confiscated some of his belongings and demanded that he transfer money to them in order to avoid being detained.
According to the claim in the footage, the officers allegedly took the victim to a PoS operator in the Okpoko area near Onitsha where the payment was processed.
A voiceover in the video alleged that the money was transferred to an undisclosed account and suggested that similar payments were often demanded from other individuals in the area to escape further trouble.
Reacting to the allegations, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that it had taken note of the viral complaint and had commenced an investigation into the matter.
In a statement released on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered an immediate probe into the incident.
“The Anambra State Police Command has taken note of a viral complaint video alleging the unprofessional conduct of some police officers in Onitsha,” the statement read in part.
“The Command wishes to inform the public that the Divisional Police Officer, Okpoko, had already intercepted the complaint and immediately initiated steps to identify the officers involved in the alleged act.”
Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the Divisional Police Officer to produce the officers implicated in the video for investigation and possible disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
He disclosed that preliminary findings indicated the money allegedly collected from the victim had already been returned, describing the incident as a serious case of unprofessional conduct.
“The money allegedly collected from the victim has been returned, which shows serious indictment and unprofessional conduct of the officers.
“The involvement of the PoS operator suggests possible conspiracy in the incident,” the statement added.
The police spokesman also assured members of the public that the command would not shield any officer found guilty of wrongdoing.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of the rights of all citizens.
“Further developments will be communicated to the public,” the statement concluded.
