By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested and detained four police officers accused of extorting ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an illegal stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi disclosed the incident while briefing journalists, describing the officers as “a gang of criminals” who had abandoned their official duty posts to mount an unauthorised checkpoint where they allegedly carried out extortion.

According to the police, the officers allegedly forced the ICPC chairman to withdraw the money through a nearby Point of Sale (POS) operator before sharing the proceeds among themselves. The commissioner said the victim later reported the incident, leading to an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the arrest of all four suspects.

Sanusi condemned the officers’ conduct, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate corruption, extortion or abuse of office by its personnel. He assured the public that the suspects would face disciplinary procedures and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The police command reiterated its commitment to sanitising the force and restoring public confidence through accountability and professionalism. It also encouraged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct, assuring that complaints would be thoroughly investigated and offending officers brought to justice.