Enugu Police Officers Allegedly K+dnaps and Extorts N62 million from Businessman
A disturbing trend has emerged in the Enugu Command of the Nigeria Police Force, where high-profile individuals are allegedly labeled as members of IPOB or ESN to extort large sums of money, Sahara Reporters reports.
The latest victim, Mr. Olu Agwu, was abd¥cted on December 26, 2024, in Abiriba, Abia State, by police officers who blindfolded and transported him to the Enugu State Police Command’s anti-k+dnapping unit. There, he was detained for three days under inhumane conditions.
Investigations reveal that Agwu was forced to pay N62 million to various accounts linked to senior police officers. Security sources claim the officers fabricated a petition, falsely accusing him of kidnapping his friend, Mgboji Michael Umeh, and being an IPOB/ESN member. Initially, they demanded N400 million but later reduced it, using threats and coercion to extract payments. Agwu was told that unless he complied, he would be charged with terrorism—a label that could have severe consequences.
During his ordeal, he was denied contact with family or legal representation. Even his traditional ruler, Eze Ukpari, was warned not to intervene. To further intimidate him, officers falsely claimed that EFCC agents were waiting to arrest him.
Ultimately, Agwu agreed to pay under duress, transferring N20 million to the Commissioner of Police and additional amounts to officers and his accuser. After his release, he was pressured to pay another N100 million or risk being declared wanted.
Audio recordings obtained by SaharaReporters reveal officers discussing the extortion, with one stating that the case would disappear if Agwu paid the full amount.
The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer denied knowledge of the case, while efforts to reach the Commissioner of Police were unsuccessful. The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for an investigation into police corruption and ab¥se of power.
