The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has met with stakeholders in the State today the 15th day of October 2024, to discuss the increasing cases of extortion, intimidation and harassment of Imo residents by some police officers in the State.
This is following the proposed 3-Day Protest organized by the National Youth Alliance (NYA) Imo State Chapter, and other relevant youth bodies and civil society organizations in the State.
This is contained in a Statement signed by the State Chairman of NYA, Comrade Chinonso Uba (Nonsonkwa), today.
“The National Youth Alliance (NYA) Imo State chapter attended the meeting together with other youth organizations, such as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Human Rights Commission, Protect the Weak International Foundation (PROWIF), Society For Concerned Citizens, and other Civil Society Organizations in Imo state.”
In his submission as the State Chairman of Imo NYA, Comrade Chinonso Uba stated pointedly the frustrations of Imo residents at the constant extortion & intimidation of men of the Nigeria Police Force, who go around with POS Machine to extort their victims, and who wear no uniform while on duty.
He pointed out the continuous flouting of the orders of IG restraining police officers from searching people’s phones without warrant.
He further stated that suspects die in the Tiger Base custody on daily basis, and nothing was yet to be done about it.
Comrade Uba hinted on the constant meddling of the police in civil matters, such as matrimonial causes, debt recovery and land-related issues, demanding serious consequences against defaulting officers.
“Imo NYA suggested a weekly check of the cells in Tiger Base to ensure that those who have no business being there are released.
“Imo NYA suggested a Joint Committee made of police/CLOs to checkmate the unrepentant extortionists in police uniform.
“Imo NYA suggested that the use of Keke Bus by police officers be banned, because those of them who use unmarked Keke Bus are the problem Imo residents face every day as far as extortion is concerned.
“Imo NYA also suggested that every police officer on duty, especially those on the road, be mandated to put on their name and number tags, which is the practice all over the world.
The CP assured NYA and other Civil Society Organizations that in two weeks the impact of the meeting will be felt, as the rampant extortions and intimidation will stop.
“Finally, NYA and other Civil Society Organizations will meet by the weekend to review the 7-Day Ultimatum given to the Imo state police command over the extortion and intimidation of Imo residents, especially the youths. A World Press Conference will be organised to that effect.
“Time To Stop the Extortion Is Now!” The statement concludes.
