Police Arrest Operatives For Extortion In Imo

The Imo State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of security operatives stationed at Seven and Half Junction in the Obowo local government area for alleged extortion of motorists.

Police spokesperson of the Imo State command, Henry Okoye, made the confirmation after a trending video showed the security operatives deployed to ensure traffic flow and safety along the busy junction searching phones and extorting travellers.

Okoye confirmed their arrest, adding that after investigations, the operatives would be released to their appropriate agency for discipline.

Giving an update on the viral video involving JTF personnel in Obowo, he said, “The personnel involved in the Joint Security Patrol at Obowo, as seen in the viral video, have all been arrested and are currently in detention. Upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, each personnel will be released to their respective security agencies for appropriate disciplinary action.”

A traveller had recorded the security operatives searching travellers’ phones and bank apps while they stood and watched helplessly.

The security operatives were drawn from the Army, Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had warned operatives against searching people’s phones, saying it was criminal and illegal.