 |
| Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka. |
Three policemen from the Abia State Police Command have been arrested for allegedly running a long-term extortion racket that targeted more than 200 people. Four other officers linked to the same scheme are still at large.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Polycarp Emeka, made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Umuahia. He said the three arrested officers—an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Corporal—belonged to the S-Squad. Investigators are looking into a total of seven officers.
According to the police, the suspects operated across about nine local government areas, including Aba, Obingwa, Ukwa East and Ukwa West. Their method was simple but effective: they pretended to carry out official “sting operations.” In reality, they targeted patent medicine dealers and owners of maternity homes. During these fake raids they allegedly seized pharmaceutical products, cash and other valuables.
The operations had been going on for more than a year. Officers would sometimes stay in hotels for weeks while conducting the raids. The activities only came to light after the President-General of one of the affected communities lodged a formal complaint.
Police recovered some of the seized drugs, a bus and security jackets believed to belong to the suspects. One of the arrested officers has denied the allegations and insisted he is innocent.
Victims who spoke about their experiences described being intimidated and forced to hand over money and goods under the threat of arrest. The AIG stressed that such behaviour damages public trust in the police and will not be tolerated. He promised a thorough investigation and said any officer found guilty will face both disciplinary action and the full weight of the law.
The case highlights a serious problem of abuse of power within the force. While the arrest of three officers is a step toward accountability, the fact that four others remain free shows the investigation is far from over. Authorities say they are determined to protect the integrity of the police uniform and restore confidence among citizens who feel victimised by the very people meant to protect them.