By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has identified four police officers arrested and detained for allegedly extorting ₦52,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), during an unauthorised traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.

The command disclosed that the officers allegedly abandoned their designated duty posts and mounted an illegal traffic checkpoint around Banex Plaza Junction in Wuse II, where they reportedly stopped and extorted money from the ICPC chairman without knowing his identity.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday, describing the officers’ conduct as a serious breach of police regulations and professional ethics.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the officers were identified as ASP Clement Ehigala, ASP Sunday Okpe, Inspector Samuel Onoja and Sergeant Yakubu Emmanuel.

According to Adeh, the officers were carrying out an unauthorised traffic operation when they intercepted a motorist on allegations of violating traffic regulations and allegedly demanded money from him.

“During the course of the illegal traffic duty, the officers stopped a motorist on the allegation of violating traffic regulations and extorted the sum of ₦52,000 from him,” she said.

She added that the victim was later confirmed to be the Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).

Following a formal complaint, the Commissioner of Police ordered the immediate arrest of the four officers and directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against them.

Adeh stated that the officers would face an orderly room trial for allegedly abandoning their lawful duty posts, engaging in unauthorised traffic enforcement and participating in the alleged extortion.

She noted that the command had already commenced disciplinary measures in line with existing police regulations and procedures.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct, stressing that misconduct by personnel would not be tolerated.

She further assured residents of the FCT that the command would continue to enforce internal disciplinary mechanisms to ensure officers adhere strictly to the rules guiding their conduct and operations.

The command also urged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through established complaint channels, assuring that every credible complaint would be thoroughly investigated.