Residents, motor-cyclists protest extortion by police in Aboru

The residents who protested the alleged police extortion at the office of Campaign for Human Rights and Constitutionalism (CHRC) at the Akowonjo area of the metropolis last Thursday, said the police collected N40 from each resident and okada riders every day in the name of keeping peace in the area. “They come to our areas […]

The residents who protested the alleged police extortion at the office of Campaign for Human Rights and Constitutionalism (CHRC) at the Akowonjo area of the metropolis last Thursday, said the police collected N40 from each resident and okada riders every day in the name of keeping peace in the area.

“They come to our areas every day, pretending to be keeping peace but, instead they harassed innocent citizens and extort money from us without any offence. They used to collect N40 from each resident of Akinola, Ojuodo and Alabede. Motor cyclists riders are not spared; they are equally extorted especially at the rush hours of the day”, said the spokesman of the residents, Mr. Opeyemi Afeez.

Mr Afeez said the youths “are already spoiling for war with the police over the issue”, adding “this is why we decided to protest in order to pre-empt the crisis.”

Responding on behalf of CHRC, Mr Abdulmumeen Gbadamasi Olaide, said the group would write to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the extortion case.

He said the CHRC would continue to fight against injustice being perpetrated against the Nigerian people by law enforcement agencies.

He called on the police to do what the constitution assigned to them to do and shun corruption which has become part of the force.