Group demands probe into alleged police extortion in Enugu

By Jude Chinedu, Enugu

A civil society group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to order an independent investigation into allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and abuse of power involving officers of the Enugu State Police Command.

The appeal follows claims by a businessman, Olu Agwu, who alleged that he was abducted in Abia State, blindfolded, and taken to the anti-kidnapping unit in Enugu, where he was threatened and falsely accused of links to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Reports indicate that Agwu was allegedly forced to pay N62 million to secure his release, with a portion of the money said to have been earmarked for senior police officials, including the chairman of the PSC.

However, the Enugu State Police Command has denied the allegations, offering its own account of the incident.

In a petition dated 15th February 2025 and addressed to the PSC chairman, RULAAC argued that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) should not investigate itself, stressing the need for an independent and impartial probe, particularly given the allegations against high-ranking officers, including the Inspector General of Police.

“This troubling pattern of labelling and extorting innocent individuals must be addressed promptly,” RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated in the petition.

The group called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of officers from the anti-kidnapping squad and SWAT teams, emphasizing the need to verify claims of internal collusion and ensure accountability.

“It is essential that Mr. Agwu is heard in a non-threatening environment and that he receives necessary protection, including the return of his unlawfully seized vehicle and safeguards against further harassment or retaliation,” the petition added.

RULAAC warned that public trust in law enforcement would continue to erode if such abuses were left unchecked and urged the PSC to ensure transparency in the investigation and eliminate misconduct within the police force.