A Ghana-based Nigerian businessman, Liberty Isaac, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to prosecute police officers who allegedly assaulted and extorted N3 million from him at gunpoint in Bayelsa State.
Isaac, who returned to Nigeria in August 2024 for a friend’s traditional wedding, recounted that he was stopped by police officers along the Udi axis in Bayelsa. According to him, the officers forced him to unlock his phone, and upon discovering a N10 million bank alert, they physically assaulted him and coerced him into transferring N3 million in two tranches to accounts they provided.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Imo State, Isaac confirmed that the Zone 16 Police Command in Bayelsa had refunded his N3 million. He explained that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone returned the money to him on bond on Friday, after he visited the command with his lawyer.
Despite the refund, Isaac stressed the need for the officers to face justice, arguing that prosecuting them would serve as a deterrent to other corrupt officers and help restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
He said, “It’s true my N3 million has been refunded. By God’s grace, on Friday, September 13, my team and I, led by my lawyer, visited the AIG Zone 16 in Bayelsa, where the money was returned to me on bond. However, I am still seeking full justice. These officers should be prosecuted for their actions—this was not only extortion but also armed robbery and kidnapping.
“This gesture shows that despite the presence of some bad elements, there are still good officers in the Nigeria Police Force. I appreciate the swift actions of the AIG Zone 16 and the Bayelsa Commissioner of Police. I trust that the IGP will ultimately ensure justice is served.”
Isaac acknowledged that such incidents could cause people to lose faith in the country but expressed optimism, saying, “There are both good and bad members in every group. From my experience, I believe the police leadership is committed to identifying and weeding out the corrupt ones.”
He urged the public to speak out against such abuses, adding, “This experience has only strengthened my belief that Nigeria can improve if citizens speak up. Don’t accept crime as normal—report it, and the authorities will take action.”
On September 5, 2024, the Nigerian Police confirmed the arrest of the officers involved in the extortion. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated on social media platform X.com, “The officers involved in the N3 million extortion have been arrested. They are attached to Zone 16 Command in Yenagoa, and they have been ordered to appear at the Force Headquarters. The police will continue to sanitise the system and ensure justice is served.”
