Cross River CP warns personnel against extorting motorists

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has cautioned police officers against demanding or accepting money from motorists and commercial transport operators during stop-and-search operations. Ordue emphasized that no officer is authorized to ask, request or force any driver or rider to pay during such lawful police activities.

The warning came after recent reports of alleged extortion of commercial drivers and tricycle operators by some police personnel in Calabar and other areas of the state. Speaking during a meeting with transport stakeholders in Calabar on Saturday, Ordue's deputy, Divisional Police Officer CSP Azenda Peter, emphasized that drivers and riders should not comply with such demands, but should instead report any officer who solicits money.

While the command prohibited police personnel from extorting motorists and riders, it also stressed that individuals must still follow traffic laws and lawful police instructions. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, highlighted that commercial drivers and tricycle operators must abide by road traffic laws, with violations addressed through established legal procedures.

Ordue reminded police officers of their duty to maintain professionalism, discipline, and integrity while carrying out their duties, assuring that the command would address legitimate complaints and handle any credible allegations of misconduct according to the law. The gathering included representatives from the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State and the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria.