The Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the Nigeria Police Force has promised to investigate allegations that officers attached to Iyamho Police Division in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State extorted ₦410,000 from a man identified as Gabriel.
The allegation followed a viral post on X by a user known as Edo BabaJ, who claimed that the incident happened on October 23, 2026.
According to the complainant, Gabriel and his brother were intercepted by police officers and taken to the station, where they were allegedly harassed and intimidated.
The post claimed that officers searched both men before releasing Gabriel’s brother but detained Gabriel and searched his phone. Despite allegedly finding nothing incriminating on the device, the officers reportedly pressured him to confess to being a cultist.
The complainant further alleged that the officers took Gabriel to a Point of Sale (POS) operator in Iyamho and forced him to withdraw and hand over ₦410,000.
Edo BabaJ claimed to have receipts, transaction screenshots and video evidence showing the withdrawal and collection of the money.
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The complainant called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the state police command to investigate the incident and ensure that any officers found culpable face appropriate disciplinary action.
Responding to the allegation, the Police Complaint Response Unit acknowledged the complaint and urged the victim to contact the unit to facilitate an investigation.
The CRU also pledged to investigate the matter and identify the officers allegedly involved.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, reportedly did not answer calls.
The allegations have renewed concerns about police extortion and abuse of power, with citizens increasingly using social media to report alleged misconduct by law enforcement officers.
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