The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has detained four police officers accused of operating an illegal checkpoint and allegedly extorting money from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu.
The officers—Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clement Ehigala, ASP Sunday Okpe, Inspector Samuel Onoja and Sergeant Yakubu Emmanuel—were arrested following an internal investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred near the Banex area of Wuse, Abuja.
According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, the officers abandoned their assigned duty posts and established an unauthorised checkpoint where they allegedly intercepted motorists and demanded money under the guise of enforcing traffic regulations.
Sanusi alleged that the officers stopped the ICPC chairman over an alleged traffic violation and compelled him to make a payment through a nearby Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, including additional transaction charges.
Describing the conduct of the officers as a betrayal of the ethics and professionalism expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force, the commissioner said the suspects would face disciplinary proceedings through the Force’s internal orderly room trial process.
He stated that, if found guilty, the officers could face severe sanctions, including dismissal from the police service and possible criminal prosecution in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate acts of corruption, extortion or abuse of office by any of its personnel,” the commissioner said, stressing that the command remains committed to restoring public confidence through accountability and strict enforcement of disciplinary standards.
Sanusi further condemned the growing practice of illegal checkpoints and warned officers against engaging in unauthorised roadside operations. He reiterated that personnel must operate strictly within the scope of their official assignments and in compliance with established policing guidelines.
The commissioner also reminded officers that the Inspector-General of Police has prohibited the indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones during stop-and-search operations. He warned that any officer found violating this directive would face disciplinary measures.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to address persistent public complaints about extortion, harassment and misconduct by some officers. Police authorities have repeatedly pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and sanction personnel found guilty of violating professional standards.
Security experts say the swift action taken by the FCT Police Command sends an important message that misconduct within law enforcement institutions will not be overlooked. They argue that transparent disciplinary processes are essential for improving public trust and strengthening accountability in policing.
Civil society organisations have also welcomed the investigation, urging the police to ensure that disciplinary measures are conducted fairly and transparently. They noted that consistent enforcement of ethical standards is critical to rebuilding confidence between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Legal analysts emphasised that the accused officers remain entitled to due process during the disciplinary proceedings. They observed that internal police investigations, where appropriate, may be followed by criminal prosecution if sufficient evidence establishes the commission of offences under Nigerian law.
The incident has reignited public debate about police reform and the need for sustained efforts to eliminate corruption and abuse of power within the security sector. Observers maintain that stronger supervision, improved welfare for officers and effective accountability mechanisms are necessary to promote professional policing.
As investigations continue, the FCT Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to enforcing discipline, protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that officers who violate the law are held accountable.
