Crime

Ebonyi Students Report Police Extortion and Call for Action

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 28th, 2024.

Ebonyi Students Report Police Extortion and Call for Action

Police

Students at Ebonyi State University have voiced concerns over alleged police extortion, harassment, and intimidation, particularly in Abakaliki and surrounding areas. They described the situation as troubling, noting that it undermines the police’s role in protecting citizens.

In a letter addressed to Commissioner of Police Augustine Ogbodo, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Ebonyi State University, Oshim Tobias Nkwegu, expressed alarm over the growing issue. Dated August 26, 2024, the letter praised the reduction in theft and robbery under the Commissioner’s leadership but highlighted recent complaints of police misconduct.

The letter, which was reviewed by our correspondent, states: “While we commend the progress in reducing crime, we must bring to your attention a disturbing trend. Reports from students and youths in Ebonyi State, especially in Abakaliki, indicate troubling instances of police extortion and intimidation. It is disheartening to see officers, who are supposed to protect the public, instead engaging in activities akin to theft and robbery against vulnerable students.”

The letter further details how these incidents have fostered fear among students, who have been coerced into handing over money or facing unlawful detention without formal charges. Nkwegu called for a public order to be issued, warning police officers against such misconduct and emphasizing that violations will be met with legal consequences.

Additionally, Nkwegu requested permission for the SUG to review complaints and statements from students currently held in police custody, many of whom appear to be detained for resisting extortion.

“Given the unrest among students and youths in Ebonyi State, we hope for a swift and effective response to these concerns. Should there be no improvement, we may need to seek support from the wider community, a scenario we wish to avoid. We trust that your office will act decisively to address this issue,” Nkwegu concluded.

Attempts by PUNCH Metro to reach the Ebonyi State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, did not answer calls or respond to messages at the time of this report.