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Operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have allegedly stolen over ₦350,000 from a traveler during a stop-and-search operation at the Awogwu Logara junction, locally known as “Big Tyre,” between Umugaragu Enyiogugu and Eziala Obiangwu communities on Friday, March 14.
The victim, David Chinedu Vitus, recounted the harrowing ordeal to CrimeFacts, alleging that officers stationed at the checkpoint routinely extort money from travelers, particularly young men.
Chinedu shared transaction receipts as evidence, revealing a transfer of ₦350,000 to a Moniepoint account (No. 1824557690) under the name “Suzy Black,” a Point-of-Sale (POS) agent allegedly colluding with the officers.
According to a source close to the victim, the policemen intercepted Chinedu during their patrol, scrutinized his phone, and forcibly took him to a secluded area. There, they allegedly threatened to kill him if he refused to pay a “ransom.”
After enduring physical torture and fearing for his life, Chinedu reportedly succumbed for fear of his life. The officers then drove him in a Hilux van marked *“Operation Search and Flush”* to the POS operator, where the transfer was made at approximately 10:30 a.m.
“These policemen rob innocent people daily, but no one speaks out,” Chinedu stated, urging authorities to investigate the checkpoint’s notorious reputation.
When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, condemned the alleged unprofessional conduct and vowed swift action. “The command will certainly look into this complaint. Such unprofessional conduct, if proven true, will not be condoned,” Okoye assured.
As investigations proceed, it is expected that the Police high command in the state will use the occasion to address the growing concerns about abuse of power, misuse of firearms and predatory policing tactics in the region.
