ICPC Chairman Extorted at Illegal Abuja Police Checkpoint as Four Officers Face Dismissal
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four police officers accused of extorting ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), at an illegal checkpoint in Abuja.
The incident, which has generated widespread public attention, highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and misconduct within its ranks. Ironically, the victim of the alleged extortion was the nation’s anti-corruption chief, although the officers reportedly did not know his identity at the time.
How the Alleged Extortion Occurred
According to the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, the four officers abandoned their officially assigned duty posts and set up an unauthorized stop-and-search checkpoint around the Banex area in Wuse, Abuja.
During the operation, the officers allegedly stopped Dr. Musa Aliyu and demanded money from him. They reportedly escorted him to a nearby Point of Sale (POS) operator, where he withdrew ₦53,000, paid the transaction charges, and handed over the money.
Investigations revealed that the officers later shared the money among themselves.
Police Describe Officers as Criminal Elements
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Commissioner Sanusi condemned the actions of the officers, describing them as criminal elements who have no place in the Nigeria Police Force.
He disclosed that intelligence gathered by the command indicated the officers had formed an extortion syndicate that specialized in mounting illegal checkpoints to prey on unsuspecting motorists and commuters.
According to him, after receiving complaints, the police command declared the suspects wanted. Detectives first arrested the alleged gang leader, whose confession led to the arrest of the remaining three officers.
Severe Punishment Awaits the Suspects
The FCT Police Command has vowed to ensure that the officers face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Commissioner Sanusi stated that any officer found guilty would face severe sanctions, including dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force where applicable.
He emphasized that corruption and extortion would not be tolerated under his leadership, assuring residents that the command remains committed to restoring public confidence in policing across the Federal Capital Territory.
Police Warn Against Illegal Phone Searches
The police commissioner also reminded Nigerians that police officers do not have the authority to arbitrarily stop citizens and search their mobile phones during patrol operations.
He stressed that such actions are prohibited under the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Sanusi advised residents that if any officer attempts to force them to surrender their phones for inspection without lawful authority, they should refuse and immediately report the incident through the official police emergency lines.
Renewed Commitment to Professional Policing
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to identifying and prosecuting officers involved in extortion, illegal checkpoints, abuse of office, and other forms of misconduct.
The command assured residents that ongoing internal monitoring and disciplinary mechanisms would continue to expose corrupt officers and ensure professionalism within the force.
The arrest of the four officers has been viewed by many Nigerians as a strong signal that the police leadership is determined to sanitize the Force and improve public trust, regardless of the status of the victim involved.