Breaking; Six Security Operatives Arrested In Imo State For Alleged Extortion And Phone Searches....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In Imo State, police operatives have apprehended six security personnel on allegations of unlawfully searching citizens’ mobile phones and coercing them into transferring substantial sums of money via Point of Sale (POS) devices into their own accounts.

The Imo State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Muhammed Barde, addressed the media at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri and disclosed that the arrested security personnel consist of an Inspector of Police, two officials from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and three operatives from the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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Their apprehension followed the submission of a petition to his office, which reported that the team had extorted N360,000 from a member of the public.

Commissioner Barde stated that with the arrests, a comprehensive investigation into the matter will commence, and those found guilty will be subject to an orderly room trial.

He expressed concern about the persistent issue of extortion by stop-and-search teams in the state, despite warnings from the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, against such unethical practices.

The Police Commissioner urged residents to promptly report any incidents of extortion to the police for appropriate action, reaffirming the commitment of the command to rid itself of any personnel engaged in unlawful activities.

One of the petitioners, Obiji Chidera, shared with the media that the six-member team had searched his brother’s phone and, upon discovering Bitcoins in his account, traded them and transferred N360,000 to themselves through a POS operator. Another victim, who chose to remain anonymous, alleged that the policemen withdrew funds from his account after searching his phone and discovering N2 million in it.

Several other victims at the police command recounted their experiences with the surveillance team, detailing instances of intimidation, physical abuse, and threats when significant sums of money were found in their accounts.