The Police have arrested some of their officers for allegedly extorting N 3million from a traveller, Liberty Kelechi Isaac at Odi, Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Liberty’s video had gone viral a few days ago where he narrated how on August 26th while passing through Bayelsa to Owerri, Policemen at Odi accosted him and after handcuffing him and beating him, he was forced to transfer N3million to them, then driven to Ahoada, where he was allowed to go.
Investigations revealed that after securing the services of a lawyer, Mr Ebilade Obiri, a complaint over the incident was lodged at the Zone 16 headquarters, Yenagoa.
Checks indicated that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police( AIG) Paul Alifa Omata had directed operatives to fish out the erring officers.
Checks indicated that following information supplied by Liberty, a discreet investigation was launched and the identity of the four officers involved in the sordid act was uncovered.
It was gathered on Tuesday night three of the officers were involved while the fourth suspect fled before he could be arrested.
A credible police source confirmed the arrest and recovery of the money which would be used as an exhibit in the trial of the suspects.
“Yes, the complainant, Liberty reported the incident and the police swung into action. The erring officers have been arrested. Four of them were involved,but three of them were arrested. The last suspect would also be arrested soon. They are being taken to Force headquarters in Abuja,where they would face orderly room trial, dismissal, and prosecution for their action”.
Liberty, in an interview, shortly after he was briefed about the arrest of the erring officers and the recovery of his money, however, said the police have not handed over the money to him.
According to him, the Force Headquarters is yet to decide where to give him his money whether in Bayelsa or Abuja.
Liberty,however, commended AIG Omata for responding swiftly to his ordeal and ensuring the arrest of the suspects.
Liberty’s lawyer, Obiri said the case would be pursued to the latter to serve as deterrence to the bad eggs in the force.
Obiri described the action of the Police officers as armed robbery which should not be tolerated in a decent society.