By Steve Oko, UMUAHIA
Three police officers attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command have been arrested over alleged extortion, abuse of police powers and other acts of misconduct, with more than 200 people reportedly affected by their activities
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Umuahia He said seven officers were being investigated in connection with the alleged activities, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others allegedly involved.
The arrested personnel included one Inspector, a Sergeant and a Corporal
According to the AIG, the officers allegedly operated across about nine Local Government Areas of Abia State, including Aba, Obingwa, Ukwa East and Ukwa West
He said the alleged activities had continued for more than a year and came to the attention of the police following complaints by the President-General of one of the affected communities
Emeka said preliminary investigations indicated that the officers allegedly targeted patent medicine dealers and proprietors of maternity homes, conducting purported sting operations during which pharmaceutical products, money and other valuables were allegedly seized
The AIG said the officers allegedly spent weeks lodging in hotels while conducting the operations, adding that their activities did not conform with approved police procedures
More than 200 persons are said to have been affected by the alleged operations
The police boss said investigators had recovered pharmaceutical products allegedly seized from members of the public, as well as a bus and security-crest jackets allegedly linked to the suspects
He warned that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the force or bringing the police uniform into disrepute
Some alleged victims who spoke about their experiences accused the officers of using their positions to intimidate and extort them
However, one of the suspects denied the allegations and maintained his innocence
Emeka assured that the investigation would be thorough, stressing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal processes
He said the police authorities remained committed to protecting the integrity of the force and ensuring that officers who abuse their powers were held accountable