The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate detention and internal disciplinary proceedings against three police inspectors accused of extorting a man during a routine patrol.
This was disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday night by the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police. While the identities of the officers and the victim were not made public, Mr Ikenga confirmed that the officers forcibly searched the man’s phone and allegedly extorted him.
According to the statement, the misconduct was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who personally interrogated the officers involved. Mr Orutugu expressed strong disapproval of their actions and directed that they be subjected to the Nigeria Police Force’s internal disciplinary processes.
“The Commissioner of Police frowned at the conduct of the officers and ordered their detention,” Mr Ikenga said. “The CP has reiterated that the Police Force under his watch will never condone any form of abuse of office, corruption or unprofessional conduct from its personnel.”
The statement further quoted Mr Orutugu as saying, “Such anomalies, aside from negating the professional calling of the police, are unacceptable as they affect the entire execution of policies and directives, thereby widening the trust gap between the citizens and the Force.”
This latest incident highlights the persistent challenge of police misconduct in Nigeria, particularly extortion, brutality and abuse of power. Despite several disciplinary measures by police authorities — including dismissals, arrests and public condemnation — such acts continue to surface across the country.
Just four months ago, police authorities in Imo State launched an investigation into alleged extortion and physical assault of a couple by police operatives. That episode occurred barely a week after officers in Abia State were interrogated over a viral video showing them assaulting a man.
In February, three officers in Abia were dismissed over allegations of abduction and extortion. Last year October, the police in Ebonyi State initiated an orderly room trial after officers were captured on video extorting motorists. Around the same period, a similar trial began for four Imo State officers also accused of extortion.
One of the most notorious cases occurred in Bayelsa State, where operatives reportedly extorted N3 million from a citizen at gunpoint. The officers involved were only apprehended after the victim filed a formal complaint. The money was returned after three weeks.
The recurring nature of these incidents has intensified public concern over the effectiveness of internal police reforms and accountability mechanisms. Many Nigerians continue to express scepticism about whether justice is consistently served and whether such disciplinary actions are sufficient to deter future misconduct.
