In a deeply concerning incident reported by Dalena Reporters on February 13, 2025, members of the Enugu State Police Command have been accused of abducting Mr. Olu Agwu, a businessman from Abiriba in Abia State, and extorting ₦62 million from him. The officers allegedly threatened to label him as a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), if he did not comply with their demands.
The Incident
On December 26, 2024, Mr. Agwu was reportedly abducted from his village in Abiriba by individuals who neither wore uniforms nor identified themselves. He was handcuffed, blindfolded, and transported to an undisclosed location, which he later discovered was the Enugu State Police Command's anti-kidnapping unit along the Enugu-Abakaliki Road. There, he was detained for three days under harsh conditions.
During his detention, the officers allegedly presented a document claiming that the Inspector General of Police had authorized his arrest. They accused him of kidnapping a friend, Mr. Mgboji Michael Umeh, a deportee from Vietnam, and of being a member of IPOB's ESN. The officers claimed that Mr. Agwu had extorted ₦400 million from Mr. Umeh. When Mr. Agwu refuted the allegations and challenged them to provide evidence of the supposed ransom payment, the officers shifted their stance, alleging that he owed his friend money. They then coerced him into transferring ₦62 million to various accounts associated with senior police officers, purportedly including allocations for the Inspector General of Police, an Assistant Inspector General, and the State Commissioner of Police.
A Disturbing Pattern
This case is not isolated. There have been multiple reports of police officers in Enugu and other parts of Nigeria engaging in similar acts of abduction and extortion. In December 2024, policemen from the Awkunanaw Police Station in Enugu were accused of kidnapping a traveler and extorting ₦1 million from him. The victim was reportedly taken to an unknown village and forced to withdraw the funds under duress.
Similarly, in February 2024, officers in Abuja were arrested for abducting a businessman and extorting ₦29.9 million from him. The victim was detained and coerced into transferring all the money in his bank account to the officers.
Implications and Public Outcry
These incidents have sparked widespread concern about the integrity of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. The alleged involvement of senior police officials in such criminal activities undermines public trust and raises questions about accountability within the force.
The tactic of labeling victims as members of IPOB or ESN is particularly troubling, as it exploits existing tensions and fears to justify unlawful actions. This strategy not only victimizes innocent individuals but also exacerbates societal divisions.
Calls for Action
There is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the Nigeria Police Force to address these issues. This includes thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct, stringent punitive measures against culpable officers, and the establishment of mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
The public is also calling for greater transparency in police operations and the protection of citizens' rights. Building a trustworthy and accountable police force is essential for maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
As these cases continue to unfold, it is imperative for the relevant authorities to take decisive action to restore public confidence and uphold the rule of law.