Port Harcourt, June 22, 2026 — Nigerian activist and anti-corruption campaigner, Philip Thomas aka Comrade Phils has accused a team of officers attached to the Old GRA Police Station in Port Harcourt of operating an extortion network targeting motorists, particularly owners of tinted vehicles.
In a statement accompanied by videos shared on social media, Comrade Phils alleged that the officers, led by ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, routinely stop motorists around Old GRA, close to the Rivers State Government House and the residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, demanding bribes before allowing them to proceed.
According to the activist, the officers target private vehicles with tinted windshields and allegedly refuse to recognize the newly introduced tinted permit issued by the Nigeria Police Force. He claimed the officers insist that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police had prohibited the use of tinted vehicles in the state, including factory-fitted cars with valid permits.
Motorists Allegedly Forced to Pay Up to ₦100,000
Comrade Phils alleged that motorists are threatened with the seizure and detention of their vehicles unless they pay cash, with demands allegedly starting from ₦100,000.
He further claimed that the officers reject bank transfers and instead direct motorists to a Point of Sale (POS) operator located opposite the Old GRA Police Station to withdraw cash.
According to him, members of the team boast that both the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Old GRA Police Station and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police are aware of their activities.
These claims have not been independently verified, and no official statement had been issued by the Rivers State Police Command as of the time of publication.
Video Alleges Officer Received Cash Before Releasing Vehicle Documents
Among the videos posted by the activist is one that allegedly shows Inspector Ernest Okere receiving money from a motorist before releasing the driver’s vehicle papers.
Comrade Phils said he possesses additional video recordings documenting other alleged incidents and intends to release them in stages.
“I have video evidence of their extortions and will make them public in sequences,” he stated.
Appeal to the Nigeria Police Force
The activist urged the Nigeria Police Force authorities to investigate the allegations, warning that the actions of the officers are tarnishing the image of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
“Make this news get to the Rivers CP as his reputation is being dragged in the mud by the actions of these officers,” he appealed.
A History of Anti-Corruption Advocacy
The latest allegations are consistent with Comrade Phils’ longstanding anti-corruption campaign. In 2019, he made headlines after refusing to pay what he described as illegal charges demanded by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service during a passport renewal process in Port Harcourt.
His public stand against bribery attracted national attention and drew support from then Comptroller-General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, who endorsed citizens’ rights to reject corruption and report misconduct.
Beyond fighting corruption, Comrade Phils has been involved in campaigns against police brutality and abuse of power. He was among activists who amplified calls for justice in the case of Chima Ikwunado, whose death in police custody in Rivers State sparked nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct.
Awaiting Official Response
As of press time, neither the Rivers State Police Command nor the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters had issued a response to the allegations made by Comrade Phils.
The allegations remain claims by the activist and have not been proven in court. Any response from the police authorities will be reflected when made available.
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