Enugu Police Officers Face Legal Action for Alleged N1 Million Extortion

The Enugu State Police Command has pledged to prosecute officers from the Awkunanaw Police Station in Garriki, accused of extorting N1 million from a traveler.

The incident came to light when the victim’s brother, identified on X as @Mr_Robmichael1, reported that officers stopped his brother’s vehicle, detained him, and transported him to an undisclosed location where they allegedly forced him to withdraw the sum. The officers reportedly added a N50,000 charge for using a POS terminal.

Sharing his ordeal online, @Mr_Robmichael1 wrote: “Nigerian police officers in Enugu used a POS to collect N1 million from my younger brother after detaining him and taking him to an unknown village.”

He later confirmed that the extorted amount was recovered, adding: “Thanks to the efforts of @DanNdukwe and the DPO of the MTD Police Station, Garriki, Enugu.”

Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dan Ndukwe, strongly condemned the incident and assured the public that the officers involved would face disciplinary action.

“This behavior is utterly unacceptable,” Ndukwe said. “While the money has been recovered, mere refunds are insufficient. The officers will face the consequences of their actions. Such misconduct has no place in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).”

According to @Mr_Robmichael1, swift intervention by the DPO of Awkunanaw Police Station, Chukwuegu Longinus, led to the identification of the involved officers and recovery of the funds.

He wrote: “The DPO personally visited the checkpoint, identified the culprits, and mandated them to return the money. It’s a shame what people have to endure.”

Ndukwe reiterated that the actions of a few officers should not tarnish the reputation of the entire force, stating, “The NPF is not dirty or corrupt. Isolated incidents of misconduct do not define the organization.”

The case has reignited discussions about police accountability and systemic reforms within law enforcement in Nigeria.