Man detained by IGP team alleges N700,000 extortion

• Missing bolt driver also found in IGP team custody

A man, Thankgod Okere, detained as suspected kidnapper has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tactical Squad of extorting N700,000 before from him in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Okere further alleged that the IGP team which detained him at its Borokiri Police Station base for nearly a month also tortured him while in custody before his sudden release Wednesday at the intervention of the Commissioner of Police (CP), Rivers Command, Friday Eboka when he got wind of the development.

He narrated, “I was detained on false accusation of being a kidnapper after being arrested on 25 February by the police
unit at the burial of an uncle in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area.

“The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Bello Yusuf, told me to accept that I was a cultist after I rejected their earlier allegations of kidnapping and armed robbery.”

Prince Wiro, Coordinator, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign which is demanding thorough investigation of the incident said, “The IGP team which had refused previous plea by the victims suddenly released him at the CP’s intervention.

“We want the IGP to investigate the allegations against his Tactical Unit at the Bokokiri Police Station. We decry the recurring detention and extortion on suspects on trumped up charges.

“Centre for Basic Rights would ensure that any erring police officers faces the law. We are documenting sundry suspected human rights abuses by police officers in the state.

“Recall that just days ago, precisely March 23, a bolt driver, Lucky Onisokumen, was also released unconditionally at the orders of CP Eboka, from secret custody of same IGP Unit after being declared missing by his family for over five days.

“Even when Onisokumen family tracked his Toyota Avalon car to the Borokiri Station, they were told they know he wasn’t there. It took calls to the CP who ordered his release in absence of clear charges against him. These questionable conducts of the IGP Unit must not be allowed to continue.”