When I reminded them that the Inspector General of Police had instructed Nigerians not to allow officers to access their phones, they began to beat me
Bayelsa state, Nigeria – A Nigerian man based in Ghana, Liberty Kelechi Isaac, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to identify and bring to justice the police officers who allegedly extorted ₦3 million from him at gunpoint. Isaac, who is originally from Nguru Nworie Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, recounted his ordeal to journalists in Owerri on Friday.
Isaac explained that the incident occurred on Monday in the Udi area of Bayelsa State while he was returning to Imo State after attending a friend’s traditional wedding in Bayelsa. He claimed that he and two friends were stopped by some policemen who forced him, under threat of violence, to transfer ₦3 million to them after discovering a ₦10 million bank alert on his phone.
Describing the encounter, Isaac said, “I am Liberty Kelechi Isaac from Nguru Nworie Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. I reside in Ghana and had not been to Nigeria for six years. I returned to attend a friend’s traditional wedding in Bayelsa State. After the ceremony, while driving back to Imo State near Udi, we were stopped by policemen who demanded that I unlock my phone. When I reminded them that the Inspector General of Police had instructed Nigerians not to allow officers to access their phones, they began to beat me.”
Isaac said the officers handcuffed him, continued to assault him, and threatened to kill him if he did not comply. “They refused to take me to a police station, so I eventually gave in to their demands out of fear for my life,” he said. Once the officers accessed his phone, they saw a ₦10 million bank alert and immediately intensified their threats, demanding that Isaac transfer ₦6 million to them.
“I managed to negotiate the amount down to ₦3 million,” Isaac continued. “I transferred ₦2 million to one Yusuf Mustafa of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank and ₦1 million to an account named Jerry Ventures, also of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, with the account number 8179664512. After taking the money, they drove us to Ahoda in Rivers State, where they dropped us off and drove away.”
Isaac has since consulted a lawyer, who has written to the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State. He is demanding the return of his money and justice for the incident. “These officers are tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force. With the account details I provided, they can be traced and held accountable. I want justice, and I want my money back because it is intended for a project. Let the Inspector-General of Police take action so that other Nigerians do not fall victim to these rogue officers. I don’t know if it’s a crime to return to one’s own country. I am a law-abiding citizen and I deserve justice.”
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