Calabar Police: Extortion Allegations Mount From Residents

• Residents and motorists in Calabar, Cross River State, accuse Nigeria Police Force officers of nightly extortion at a checkpoint near the Post Office complex, allegedly linked to Atakpa Police Station.
• Drivers report paying N200 to N500 or more to avoid delays, threats, and vehicle impoundment, leading to increased transport fares for passengers.
• The Cross River State Police Command denies condoning extortion, citing prior warnings from CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue against misconduct and unprofessional behavior.
• The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, urged the public to report incidents with evidence to the Police Complaint Response line at +234 813 708 3052.
• The command stated that officers found engaging in extortion will face disciplinary action, aligning with CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue's policy emphasizing discipline and professional conduct.

The Cross River State Police Command, while denying condoning such activities, has provided a specific complaint response line for citizens to report alleged misconduct, emphasizing that officers found engaging in extortion will face disciplinary action.

Residents and motorists in Calabar, Cross River State, have brought forward serious allegations of extortion against officers of the Nigeria Police Force. These claims center on a specific checkpoint located near the Post Office complex, which is reportedly linked to the Atakpa Police Station. The alleged misconduct is said to occur with regularity every evening, particularly during the city's peak commuting hours.

According to the accusers, officers at this location routinely block the road and demand payments from taxi and commercial bus drivers. The sums reportedly collected range from N200 to N500, and sometimes even more, from those plying the route towards the bustling Watt Market. This practice, drivers claim, has become a daily occurrence, creating significant financial strain and disruption for public transport operators and their passengers.

Drivers, many speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, describe a pattern of harassment and intimidation. They allege that failure to comply with the demands for payment results in delays, threats to impound their vehicles, or public harassment. One driver recounted that if the requested N200 or N500 is not paid, officers will either hold up traffic or threaten to seize the vehicle. Commercial buses, especially those transporting commuters back to Calabar South Local Government Area from Watt Market, are reportedly frequent targets.

The economic impact of these alleged Calabar police extortion allegations extends beyond the drivers. Motorist Effiom Effiong highlighted that these "settlements" are now factored into passenger fares, directly increasing the cost of transportation for the public. Furthermore, the presence of the checkpoint itself is criticized for causing unnecessary traffic congestion and diverting police focus away from genuine security concerns, as officers are perceived to be primarily interested in revenue collection rather than crime prevention. Emmanuel Bassey, a local resident, echoed these sentiments, describing the officers involved as "selfish" and "greedy," adding to the existing economic hardship faced by citizens.

In response to these persistent allegations of Cross River police misconduct, the Cross River State Police Command has issued a strong denial of condoning such activities. The command emphasized that it does not tolerate any form of extortion by members of the Nigeria Police Force within the state. This stance aligns with repeated warnings from the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, against extortion and unprofessional conduct among officers.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer, urged members of the public to utilize official channels for reporting any officer found engaging in misconduct. He specifically requested that complaints include credible evidence such as the patrol vehicle number, the exact time, and the location of the incident. The command has provided a dedicated police complaint response line Nigeria, reachable at +234 813 708 3052, for prompt investigation. ASP Eitokpah affirmed that any officer caught extorting the public would face strict disciplinary action, underscoring that CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue's policy centers on discipline and professional conduct. Citizens are advised not to pay money if stopped by officers demanding it, but rather to contact the complaint unit.

The ongoing Calabar police extortion allegations highlight a critical challenge to public trust and daily commerce within the region. For legal professionals, these reports of Nigeria Police Force extortion Calabar underscore the importance of understanding both the prevalence of such issues and the official mechanisms available for redress. Lawyers advising clients in Cross River State should be aware of these persistent allegations and the official channels for reporting misconduct, which may be crucial for clients facing harassment or seeking justice.

The police command's clear communication regarding its policy against extortion and the provision of a specific complaint response line offer a defined pathway for action. This official avenue, including the direct phone number for the police complaint response line Nigeria, represents a vital resource for individuals experiencing or witnessing alleged misconduct. Legal counsel can play a pivotal role in guiding clients through these reporting processes, ensuring that incidents are documented appropriately and that the command's stated commitment to due process and professionalism is tested and upheld.

Lawyers advising clients in Cross River State should be aware of persistent police extortion allegations and the official channels for reporting misconduct, which may be crucial for clients facing harassment or seeking redress.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH