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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an urgent, independent investigation into shocking allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and abuse of power involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Enugu State.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), RULAAC detailed the harrowing ordeal of Mr. Olu Agwu, a businessman allegedly abducted, blindfolded, and extorted of N62 million by police officers under the guise of combating crime.
According to the letter, Mr. Agwu was reportedly seized in Abia State and transported to the Enugu State anti-kidnapping unit, where he was accused of having ties to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Under duress, he was forced to pay the exorbitant sum to secure his release, with claims that a portion of the money was earmarked for senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
RULAAC emphasized that while the NPF has denied the allegations, the police force cannot be trusted to investigate itself.
The advocacy group urged the PSC to intervene, citing the need for transparency and accountability in addressing what it described as a “troubling pattern of labeling and extorting innocent individuals.”
The letter, signed by RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, particularly those attached to the anti-kidnapping squad and SWAT teams. It also demanded the return of Mr. Agwu’s vehicle, which remains unlawfully held by the police, and called for safeguards to protect him from retaliation or further harassment.
