This incident was disclosed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, who described the officers as “thieves” unworthy of wearing the police uniform.

The officers set up an unauthorized checkpoint in the Banex area of Wuse after abandoning their official duties, extorting the ICPC chairman without recognizing his status. They forced him to withdraw N53,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) operator, with the ICPC chairman also covering the transaction fees before the officers divided the money among themselves.

Commissioner Sanusi stated, “We have about four policemen in custody who successfully extorted someone of high importance,” emphasizing the lack of awareness among the officers regarding their victim’s identity. Investigations revealed the officers had formed a gang that created this illegal checkpoint specifically to extort motorists and had fled after committing the crime.

Ajao, affiliated with the police command, indicated that the officers had been declared wanted prior to the arrest of their gang leader, whose confession led to detaining the other gang members. Sanusi assured that those officers found culpable would face severe punishment, including dismissal.

Additionally, the commissioner underscored the Inspector-General of Police’s prohibition against indiscriminate searches of citizens’ mobile phones by officers on patrol. He advised the public to refuse unlawful requests for phone searches on the streets and report such demands through police emergency lines. Sanusi reiterated the commitment to enforcing the IG’s directive, warning that officers engaging in criminal conduct would face disciplinary action and the full force of the law. Residents were encouraged to report any instances of police extortion or misconduct to ensure accountability and strict action against offenders.