Police detain officers over alleged N10m extortion

The Zone 16 Police Command in Bayelsa State announced on Wednesday that it had detained officers involved in the alleged extortion of N10 million.

According to Zone 16 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Emonena Gunn, the officers have been held since October 30 and are currently facing departmental disciplinary action.

The command also refuted claims by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who suggested on social media that he was responsible for the recovery of the funds.

In a statement, Gunn emphasized that the recovery efforts were directed by Adebola Hamzat, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Zone 16, who took office on October 21.

Gunn clarified that the incident of extortion reportedly took place on September 17, and upon Hamzat’s recent appointment, he quickly ordered the Zonal X-Squad to investigate.

This led to the recovery of the N10 million on November 5, with the involved officers now facing disciplinary action.

“AIG Adebola Hamzat has a track record of proven and tested integrity and zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline,” Gunn noted, underscoring the command’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

“The said Harrison and the boys were invited on October 30 but didn’t respond until Tuesday, November 5.”

He said on arrival at the zone, the AIG who was having a management meeting cut short the meeting to attend to them, but Harrison who entered the office of the AIG without greeting him, was quarrelsome, abusive, insulting and started shouting at the AIG that he had a flight to catch up with.

“The AIG mildly told him to go and catch up with his flight while others wait for the money to be handed over to them. He Harrison however, returned to witness the handing over of the recovered money.”

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