Police probe claims of extortion by unidentified officers in Imo

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation following a viral video that raised concerns about alleged illegal arrests and extortion by unidentified police officers, mainly in Owerri, Imo State, prior to the festive season. Content creator Young Entertainment alleged in a video posted on Saturday that officers were stopping and arresting citizens without identification and demanding money.

The officers were reportedly operating in unmarked vehicles without number plates and wearing uniforms without name tags or identification. Some wore face masks to conceal their identities. The officers would intercept people traveling in public vehicles, search them, and if nothing incriminating was found, force them into their vehicles.

Victims were allegedly taken to isolated locations, physically assaulted, and pressured to transfer money to the officers before being released. Police have reportedly arrested eight suspected Yahoo boys, and some incidents occurred around Bank Road and near the State CID in Owerri. The content creator urged the Imo State Commissioner of Police to establish patrol teams to monitor officers and vehicles operating in the identified areas.

The Force Public Relations Officer acknowledged the allegations and requested the Police Complaints Response Unit to contact the complainant for further details.