…Arrest two Policemen
…Recover N1, 000 extorted by Policemen from Mechanic
Two unnamed Policemen attached to the Ogidi Area command in Anambra State has been arrested on the order of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP John Abang for collecting the sum of sixty thousand Naira (N60, 000) as bail money from a widow, one Mrs. Love Mbachu and two others.
Trouble started for the two Police Officers, an Inspector and a Sergeant when a journalist, Nweke Nweke, on Monday morning blew the whistle on a WhatSapp group named Police Media Forum which incidentally has the Commissioner of Police Anambra State and the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police command, SP Haruna Mohammed as members thus drawing the anger of journalists on the platform who demanded immediate action.
The message read,” As against the claims of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP John Abang that bail is free in police formations, the Ogidi Area Commander have been accused of violating the order of the CP by allegedly extorting N60, 000 from a widow, Mrs. Love Mbachu and other two suspects. Details soon on our website.”
The command’s spokesman, SP Haruna in a swift response said “The Commissioner of Police, CP John B. Abang had since directed AC X Squad to take over the matter and conduct a discreet investigation.
“I have equally informed the journalist to bring the complainants to my office today for further necessary action please. I don’t know why he posted it on this platform without waiting for the outcome of Police investigation.”
However, the CP who happened to be on the platform and was following the discussion immediately responded, “It’s okay, he (the journalist) has a right to air his opinion on issues that affect him like the Ogidi issue mentioned. Like my PPRO said, it’s true, I have directed the ACP X SQD to investigate and ensure justice and equity is ensured.”
Twenty-four hours later, precisely on Tuesday morning, the command’s PPRO posted, “Recall that on the 29/7/2019 following the report that Policemen attached to Ogidi Area command allegedly extorted the sum of N60,000 from one Mrs. Love Mbachu and two others in which the Commissioner of Police CP John B. Abang, fdc directed ACP X SQD to recover the money within 12hours, investigate and ensure justice and equity is done the matter.
“I am happy to inform you that in compliance with the CP’s directives, the Policemen involved have been arrested, defaulted and the money, sum of Sixty thousand Naira (N60,000) was also recovered and handed over to the victims.
“Meanwhile, all cases are under investigation after which the defaulters would be tried in orderly room please.
“Kudos to our action packed CP 👍”
In a related development, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Purity FM Awka, Uche Ndeke posted thus,” A colleague of mine who resides in Mgbakwu, Awka North LGA, gave her small machine to a mechanic to change the kick.
“The mechanic took the machine to Nnewi to change the kick and fix other things. On his way back, he met police officers on patrol at Nawfia Area. They stopped and asked him to pay five thousand naira or will never see the machine again if they carry it to Headquarters.
“He called the owner who luckily was in the office with me. I spoke with the Policemen through the mechanic but he insisted they guy should pay or they go with the bike. After negotiations with them, he paid one thousand naira (N1, 000). This was after we had called the PPRO to explain situations to him.
FFWD
Today, Monday 29/7/19, the mechanic was invited by the PPRO, he came and identified the policemen that collected the money from him.
“Gentlemen, they were meant to not only refund the N1, 000; they equally paid extra N500 as transport fare for the mechanic.
“Thanks to our Able Commissioner of Police, CP JOHN B. ABANG for his zero tolerance on corruption and of course the command image maker, SP Haruna Muhammed for their untiring efforts in redeeming the battered image of the Police and restoring public confidence.
“The mechanic up till now is yet to believe that in Nigeria, Police gave him back his money collected in the wrong way. This is a PARADIGM SHIFT INDEED 👏👍
“Yours… Uche Ndeke reporting for Radio Nigeria.”
Photo: Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP John Abang.
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