Kaduna Police Begin Investigation Into Alleged Extortion of Motorists
The Kaduna State Police Command has commenced a full investigation into a video circulating widely on social media, in which some police officers were accused of allegedly extorting money from passengers, motorists and tricycle operators during stop-and-search operations.
In the video, some police officers were seen stopping vehicles on the road, prompting questions and criticism from members of the public. Some people also accused the officers of allegedly using security checks as an opportunity to forcefully collect money from motorists and other road users.
Following the circulation of the video, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, ordered that the officers allegedly involved in the incident be immediately identified and made available for investigation.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Kaduna State Police Command's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
According to the statement, any officer found guilty of extortion, corruption or abuse of authority after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary action.
Police Order Probe Into Officers Seen in Viral Video
The police command said it took the allegations seriously and would not allow individual officers to damage the reputation of the force or undermine public confidence in policing.
The command explained that the officers allegedly involved in the incident had been directed to cooperate with the investigation so that the circumstances surrounding the video could be properly established.
Police authorities said the investigation would determine whether the officers actually engaged in extortion or any other form of misconduct while carrying out their duties.
They stressed that officers are expected to conduct stop-and-search operations professionally and within the limits of the law.
The command also stated that any officer found to have violated the rights of members of the public would be held accountable.
Police Explain Security Concerns in the Area
While condemning any form of extortion or abuse, the Kaduna Police Command explained that the location where the incident shown in the video allegedly occurred had previously been identified as an area with serious security concerns.
According to the command, the road is located around Millennium City, an area where criminal activities had previously been recorded.
Police authorities said security personnel had recovered about 20 AK-47 rifles in the area during previous operations.
The discovery of the weapons, according to the command, was one of the reasons security agencies had maintained increased security measures and surveillance in the area.
The police said such security concerns made it necessary for officers to remain vigilant and conduct legitimate checks where there was credible intelligence about criminals, weapons or other illegal items.
However, the Commissioner of Police stressed that the security situation could never be used as an excuse for officers to intimidate members of the public or unlawfully collect money from them.
Stop-and-Search Must Not Become Extortion
The Kaduna Police Command said security operations and vehicle checks must be carried out strictly for legitimate security purposes and the prevention of crime.
The command emphasised that officers must not turn stop-and-search points into avenues for harassment, intimidation, extortion or corruption.
“No police officer has the right to use security operations as a means of extortion, abuse or any other form of misconduct. Anyone found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary action and prosecution.”
The police said the position was part of the command's broader effort to ensure that officers carry out their responsibilities professionally while respecting the rights of members of the public.
The command also stressed that security personnel must distinguish between legitimate security checks and actions that amount to harassment or abuse of authority.
Police Promise Accountability
The Kaduna State Police Command said it remained committed to strengthening the relationship between the police and members of the public.
According to the command, cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and communities is essential to the fight against crime.
It therefore encouraged members of the public not to be afraid to report alleged misconduct by police officers or other security personnel.
The command said reports from citizens could help authorities identify officers who engage in activities capable of undermining public trust in the police.
The Commissioner also commended members of the public for remaining vigilant and for bringing incidents of concern to the attention of the authorities.
He urged citizens to use lawful channels when reporting allegations against police officers rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Police Provide Complaint Channels
Members of the public who wish to report alleged misconduct by police officers can contact the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) through the following telephone numbers:
- 09049498983
- 08075391105
- 07039675856
The command encouraged anyone with credible information concerning police misconduct to make use of the available complaint channels.
It said complaints would assist the authorities in investigating allegations and taking appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.
Investigation Ongoing
The Kaduna State Police Command reiterated that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident shown in the viral video.
The command said the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any police officer breached professional standards or the law.
It further warned that any officer found to have abused the police uniform, official position or powers entrusted to them for corrupt purposes would face appropriate sanctions under the law.
The command maintained that while police officers have a responsibility to protect communities and prevent crime, they must also perform their duties in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of citizens.
The investigation is therefore expected to determine whether the officers seen in the video acted within the law and established police procedures or whether they engaged in the alleged extortion.
The police command said accountability and public cooperation would remain central to its efforts to improve policing in Kaduna State and strengthen confidence between security agencies and the communities they serve.