RULAAC Petitions PSC Over Alleged N62m Police Extortion, Calls for Independent Probe

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC) to launch an independent investigation into allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and abuse of power involving officers of the Enugu State Police Command.

The petition follows claims by Mr. Olu Agwu, a businessman, who alleged that he was abducted in Abia State, blindfolded, and taken to the Enugu State anti-kidnapping unit, where he was threatened and falsely accused of links to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Agwu further alleged that he was forced to pay N62 million for his release, with a portion of the money allegedly meant for senior police officials.

In its petition, titled “Need for Independent and Impartial Investigation of Allegations Against the Nigeria Police” and dated February 15, 2025, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stressed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) should not investigate itself. The group called on the PSC to ensure a thorough and unbiased probe into the alleged misconduct, particularly focusing on officers from the anti-kidnapping and SWAT units.

RULAAC emphasized that:
The pattern of extortion and false accusations must be addressed immediately.
An impartial investigation is needed to verify any internal police collusion.
Agwu should be allowed to present his case in a safe environment, with protection from retaliation.
His unlawfully seized vehicle should be returned.
The PSC must act transparently to restore public trust in law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has denied the allegations, describing them as false, malicious, and misleading. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Daniel Ndukwe, dismissed the claims as “junk journalism, malice, and mischief.”