Several youths and travellers in Imo State have accused operatives of a Joint Task Force (JTF) of allegedly subjecting them to unlawful searches, assault and extortion after stopping their vehicles along major roads.
The allegations reportedly occurred around the Aba-Owerri Expressway, particularly the Ngor Okpala axis, where victims claimed the operatives stopped both commercial and private vehicles, searched passengers’ phones and allegedly demanded access to their bank accounts.
According to accounts obtained, some of the personnel allegedly operate in a mixture of security uniforms and civilian clothing, with some reportedly wearing face masks and without visible name tags.
One victim alleged that operatives accessed his mobile phone and discovered money in his bank account before demanding that he transfer funds to them, reportedly claiming they needed money for fuel.
Another student alleged that he was stopped while returning from Imo State University after an examination. He said officers searched his bag and phone, including his WhatsApp conversations and other applications, before allegedly forcing him to open his banking applications.
The student claimed the officers discovered about ₦1.8 million in his OPay account and accused him of money laundering. He alleged that he was beaten, handcuffed and threatened before the officers demanded 50 per cent of the money.
According to him, the officers eventually agreed to accept ₦500,000, which he said he transferred through a MoniePoint POS operator.
Other travellers also alleged similar experiences. A Lagos-based traveller claimed he was forced to transfer ₦400,000 after officers allegedly searched his phone, chats and cryptocurrency wallet.
Another man who recently returned from Romania alleged that officers detained him, searched his phone and demanded money after seeing photographs of his foreign associates. He also claimed that his Romanian residence permit was seized until he paid money.
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Asenexpress further reported an allegation involving a young man who was reportedly taken into a bush on July 26 and allegedly forced to pay ₦500,000, alongside ₦15,000 in POS charges.
The allegations have prompted calls for an investigation into the identity, mandate and activities of the JTF personnel operating along the Aba-Owerri corridor.
Victims and activists are demanding that the relevant security authorities identify the officers involved, investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Imo State Police Command were reportedly unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, did not answer calls made to his phone.
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