Police high command has arrested operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) and their Point-of-Sale (POS) collaborator over alleged N30million extortion.
Spokesman of the police, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who made the disclosure, noted that the arrest was in furtherance of their zero tolerance for corruption and extortion.
According to him, “We wishes to update the general public on an alleged case of armed robbery, abduction, and extortion carried out by some policemen against one Omoh Oshoke, an Abuja resident. The trio identified as Inspectors Francis Ahuean, Semiu Agbaakin, and Osagie Efford, all attached to the FID-STS, have been arrested, investigated and are currently undergoing trial.
“In the same vein, the accomplices including one Elizabeth Amos Busayo, the POS operator and one Thomas Michael, who acted as an informant for the offending police officers, have also been arrested and are currently being investigated alongside the police officers.
“The Police however assures that justice will be served in this case, while we urge our officers to always act and continue to operate within the ambit of the law.”
Following wanton extortion of Nigerians at police stations and units, the IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had banned the use of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines within police stations across the country.
The ban was effected following public outcry on alleged illegal and illicit transactions through Point-of-Sale (POS) machine operators and connivance with police operatives.
Adejobi had warned that despite previous directives, it has come to the attention of the Force leadership that some Commands and Formations continue to flout this regulation.
He had said the IGP warns that any violation of this ban will attract severe sanctions on the leadership of the affected Commands and Formations.
The IGP believes that the use of electronic payment devices within police facilities poses significant risks, including the potential compromise of sensitive information, financial irregularities, and the facilitation of illicit activities, therefore, strict adherence to this directive is non-negotiable.