The Rivers State Police Command said it has launched an investigation into the alleged abduction and extortion of N1 million from a man identified as Uzoma Godswill by operatives in the state’s Eleme axis on Wednesday.
This came after activist Harrison Gwamnishu revealed on Twitter that police officers armed with AK-47 rifles abducted the man in Eleme, brought him to a remote place, collected his Automated Teller Machine card and pin, and withdrew the money from a Point of Sale agent.
Gwamnishu added that the PoS operative acknowledged the police’s withdrawal, which resulted in a N20,000 charge.
He stated, “Mr. Uzoma Eyinna Godswill was yesterday (Wednesday) abducted by some men armed with AK-47 rifles later identified as police officers along Eleme Rivers State.
“They arrested him around Port Harcourt/Owerri Road, where they took his ATM card and pin and withdrew the sum of N1,000,000 and the N20,000 charge.
“The PoS agent confirmed the man who came to withdraw with Uzoma’s ATM card came with a fully loaded magazine.”
When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state police command, stated that, while she had not received such a report, the command would investigate the situation.
Iringe-Koko claimed that the command was attempting to determine the identities of the policemen involved and their places of duty.
She stated, “We, the command, have not received any reports on this, but what we are trying to do is find out the officers involved because operatives come from different zones of the state.
“So, while we are trying to ascertain, the man (victim) in question should also come to the police and give us an update, especially if he can identify the officers that committed the crime.
“Definitely, appropriate action will be taken to ensure he gets justice. So, for now, we have commenced an investigation. That’s all I can say.”
