Anambra police extortion case sees six officers detained after allegedly extorting ₦200,000 from a drink seller using a PoS operator in Onitsha
The Anambra State Police Command has detained six personnel of the Okpoko Police Division, Onitsha, for allegedly extorting ₦200,000 from a drink seller using a PoS operator in a widely circulated incident video.
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The video, which has gone viral, features the victim’s wife recounting how her husband was intercepted by the officers while returning from Relief Market, Onitsha, with drinks.
She alleged that despite presenting valid vehicle documents, her husband was handcuffed, harassed, and ordered to transfer ₦500,000.
He eventually paid ₦200,000 into an undisclosed account via a PoS terminal to secure his release.
According to the video, the officers routinely demand similar payments from victims along the Upper Iweka axis of the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway, one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.
Reacting to the incident, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Spokesman for the Command, confirmed in a statement that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, ordered the detention of six officers implicated in the alleged extortion, pending the outcome of investigations.
The officers include two Assistant Superintendents of Police and four Inspectors of Police.
“The money allegedly collected from the victim has been returned, showing serious indictment and unprofessional conduct of the officers,” the statement said.
Senior officers involved have been queried, while statements from other ranks are being recorded under caution, in line with established investigative procedures.
The Command has also initiated steps to locate the PoS operator suspected of conspiring with the officers. The victim has been invited to provide further testimony to assist the investigation and guide appropriate disciplinary action.
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SP Ikenga assured the public that the Anambra State Police Command is handling the matter with seriousness and transparency, promising timely updates on developments.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
