The Nigeria Police Force has detained six officers in Anambra State after they were accused of torturing and extorting ₦200,000 from a trader in Onitsha.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests in a statement, noting that the officers were taken into custody following a viral video in which the victim’s wife narrated the incident.
According to the report, the trader was stopped under a flyover while transporting cartons of malt he had purchased from Onitsha Relief Market.
The officers allegedly requested vehicle documents, which were found to be valid, but later accused him of using a “wrong” vehicle colour as a pretext for further questioning.
The situation reportedly escalated when the officers ordered the trader to meet their superior in a nearby police vehicle.
He was then allegedly restrained, handcuffed, and labeled a criminal before being pressured to pay ₦500,000.
The victim eventually transferred ₦200,000 via a Point-of-Sale operator out of fear, believing the officers might be kidnappers due to their conduct and threats.
The matter was later reported to the Divisional Police Officer of Okpoko Division, Austin Okafor, who intervened and deployed officers to verify the claims.
The accused officers initially denied involvement but later admitted to interacting with the trader and refunded the money.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, ordered their immediate detention.
The suspects include two Assistant Superintendents of Police and four Inspectors.
The police command also confirmed that disciplinary procedures have begun, while investigations are ongoing, including efforts to apprehend the PoS operator allegedly involved in the transaction.
Authorities say the case is part of ongoing efforts to address misconduct within the force and restore public trust, especially amid repeated complaints of extortion and abuse of power by security operatives.
