Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police (CP), CP Baba Azare has vowed to wield the big stick against any corrupt personnel found culpable in extortion and other unwholesome practices in the course of their official and unofficial responsibilities.
CP Azare gave the warning against the backdrop of allegations by three female students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AkwaPoly) in a viral video on social media that overzealous officers of Ikot Ekpene Area Command indulged in unwarranted arrest, detention, seizure of phone and extortion of the sum of N10,000.
The incident led to wild protest by students of the institution on Monday, March 17, 2025, where they lamented that absence of security on the campus community had led to killing of over five students in the last one year, alleging that police was only interested in extorting the vulnerable students.
Speaking to Journalists at the end of a meeting, Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Timfon John said the CP had summoned the student leaders to a meeting at the Police State Command headquarters in Uyo, where he vowed to get to the roots of the matter.
Consequently, the CP enjoined the aggrieved students to remain calm, assuring that “a comprehensive investigation into allegations of Police brutality and extortion raised by the students has already been ordered.”
“In a bid to address the concerns, the Commissioner of Police engaged the management of the school, SUG, and other representatives in a peaceful dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and strengthening police-student relations.
“During the engagement, the Command reaffirmed its uncompromising dedication to upholding human rights and ensuring the safety of all citizens, including students.
“The CP strongly condemned any acts of misconduct by Police officers, emphasising that any personnel found guilty of unprofessional behaviour would face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.
“In the same vein, the Command reassured students that proactive security measures were already in place to curb crime and enhance safety within the host community through intelligence-led operations,” the PPRO said.
She stressed that the CP emphasised on the need for continuous collaboration between students and law enforcement agencies, encouraging open communication and trust-building efforts to ensure a more secure environment.
The Command expressed its resolute commitment as its duty to protect lives and property while maintaining the highest standards of policing.
