Adamawa CP: Warns Police Against Beer Seller Extortion In Girei

• Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan, warned officers against extorting beer sellers in Girei Local Government Area.
• This warning followed a PUNCH report detailing alleged massive extortion by the Girei DPO, SP Aliyu Adamu.
• The police command clarified that enforcement activities against liquor businesses are lawful, aimed at compliance with the Liquor Act, and not an avenue for extortion.
• The CP explicitly stated officers are unauthorized to demand money, and the public is encouraged to report misconduct through official channels.
• Despite the warning, the police statement did not mention an investigation into the specific allegations against DPO Adamu, who reportedly summoned sellers to identify the source of the leak.

The Commissioner of Police explicitly stated that these enforcement activities are not intended as a pretext for extortion or the arbitrary collection of funds from liquor vendors.

The Commissioner of Police for Adamawa State Command, CP Kabir Hassan, has issued a direct warning to officers regarding the alleged extortion of money from beer sellers within the Girei Local Government Area. This stern directive came swiftly, just hours after a report by PUNCH on Friday highlighted widespread allegations of illicit financial demands being made by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Girei, SP Aliyu Adamu, and other personnel from local beer and liquor dealers.

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, an investigation revealed that DPO Adamu reportedly summoned several beer sellers on the same Friday. The purpose of these summonses was allegedly to ascertain the individuals responsible for leaking information about his purported extortion activities to journalists, indicating a potential attempt to identify and silence whistleblowers rather than address the underlying misconduct.

In response to the public outcry and media reports, the Adamawa State Police Command, through its spokesman SP Suleiman Nguroje, clarified its position. The Command acknowledged ongoing enforcement activities targeting beer parlours and other liquor-selling establishments in Girei LGA, asserting that these operations constitute lawful security measures designed to ensure adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Liquor Act and other relevant regulations.

These legitimate enforcement efforts encompass several key actions: the inspection of licensed premises, the identification and subsequent closure of illegal liquor outlets, the strict enforcement of prescribed operating hours, and the prosecution of offenders in accordance with established legal procedures. The Command emphasized that such rigorous oversight has become particularly crucial following a series of recent criminal incidents in Girei, including a reported homicide that occurred at a local hotel, underscoring the necessity for enhanced monitoring and regulation of drinking establishments in the area. CP Kabir Hassan unequivocally stated that these enforcement exercises are not to be exploited as a means for extortion or the arbitrary collection of money from liquor sellers, stressing that no police officer is authorized to demand or receive funds as a condition for business operation or release.

The Adamawa State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism, accountability, and the protection of lives and property, alongside the strict enforcement of the law. It assured the public that any individual found violating the Liquor Act would be processed according to legal protocols, with charges brought before a competent court if a prima facie case is established.

Furthermore, the Command actively encouraged members of the public who have experienced or witnessed extortion or other forms of misconduct by police officers to report such incidents through appropriate official channels. This mechanism is intended to facilitate thorough investigations and necessary disciplinary actions. However, a notable omission from the official statement was any mention of a specific investigation into the extensive extortion allegations leveled directly against Girei DPO, SP Aliyu Adamu, leaving questions about the immediate internal response to the reported misconduct.

The situation in Adamawa highlights a critical tension between the legitimate enforcement of public order laws, such as the Nigeria Liquor Act, and persistent allegations of police misconduct. For liquor businesses, particularly in Girei LGA, this creates a challenging environment where they must navigate strict compliance with regulations while simultaneously being vulnerable to unlawful demands. The CP Kabir Hassan directive against extortion is a vital step towards addressing these concerns, aiming to restore public confidence in the police force.

However, the reported actions of the Girei DPO, including his alleged attempt to uncover the source of the leak, underscore the ongoing struggle for true police accountability Adamawa. The effectiveness of the CP's warning and the Command's stated commitment to professionalism will ultimately be judged by the concrete actions taken to investigate and prosecute officers involved in extortion, thereby ensuring that legitimate enforcement does not become a cover for corruption.

Lawyers advising liquor businesses in Adamawa, particularly Girei LGA, should counsel clients on strict compliance with the Liquor Act to avoid legitimate enforcement actions, while also informing them of their rights against police extortion and the official channels for reporting misconduct. This development highlights the ongoing need for vigilance against unlawful demands despite official warnings.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH