Nigerians on Edge as Police Trial Over N151.5 Million Extortion Case Continues
- Four police inspectors are on trial for allegedly extorting N151.5 million from the family of a foreign-based Nigerian, Segun Okubajo, after kidnapping him
- The officers, stationed at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, are accused of holding Okubajo incommunicado and demanding the sum under duress
- The case has drawn significant public attention, with Nigerians eagerly awaiting the outcome to see if it will set a precedent for curbing corruption within the police force
The Nigerian Police hierarchy is under scrutiny as the orderly room trial of four police inspectors accused of extorting N151.5 million continues.
It will be recalled that following a petition by the victim’s family, the Inspector General of Police swiftly directed that the case be investigated and the police officers made to face orderly room trial if a prima facie case is established against them.
Source: Twitter
Following the commencement of the orderly room trial and the close of evidence on Monday, June 16, the stage is set for the police hierarchy to give its decision.
A statement cited by Legit.ng, the four officers, identified as AP Mohammed Yusuf, AP Ojochenemi Jubrin, AP Rizama Reuben, and AP Isokpuwu John, are stationed at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
They are accused of kidnapping a foreign-based Nigerian, Segun Okubajo, and extorting a substantial sum from his family.
The incident reportedly began when the officers allegedly kidnapped Okubajo in Lagos and transported him to Abuja, holding him incommunicado while demanding the large sum under duress.
The family raised the money through loans and contributions from friends and cooperative societies to meet the demand.
The case has sparked widespread public attention, with many awaiting the police hierarchy's decision to determine if this case will set a precedent for curbing corruption within the force.
Expert: Errant officers must face stiff penalties
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Security expert Ade Mario Emmanuel has called for stricter punishment and enhanced training for police officers found guilty of misconduct, especially in light of the ongoing trial of four inspectors accused of extorting ₦151.5 million from a Nigerian family.
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, June 18, Emmanuel stated that the case represents “a critical moment for police accountability in Nigeria” and urged the authorities to use it as a deterrent.
“This cannot end in mere dismissal or demotion. What these officers allegedly did amounts to criminality, and stiffer penalties must follow,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of continuous training in ethics, human rights, and professional standards, adding that lack of proper orientation contributes to growing misconduct in the force.
“We need a reformed police institution, not just in structure, but in mindset. Training must be prioritised just as much as discipline,” Emmanuel added.
He urged the police hierarchy to treat the case as “an opportunity to restore public trust and send a clear message that impunity will no longer be tolerated.”
Edo: Tears as labourers kill employer, police
Previously, Legit.ng reported operatives of the Edo state police command have arrested one Bassey Nyong Uweh for allegedly kidnapping and killing his employer, Henry Ohiengbomwan, a farmer, after collecting an undisclosed ransom.
Read also
Alleged N151m Extortion: IGP Asked To Ensure Justice Is Served In Police Orderly Room Trial
The incident happened at Igueze village on the Benin-Lagos expressway in Ovia North East local government area (LGA) of Edo state.
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Source: Legit.ng
