A major corruption scandal has rocked the Enugu State Police Command, as the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC) to launch an independent investigation into allegations that Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, and his officers extorted ₦62 million from a businessman, Mr. Olu Agwu.
This explosive revelation, first reported by Sahara Reporters, details how Agwu was allegedly coerced into transferring funds to multiple accounts operated by senior police officers, a move designed to cover up the illicit transactions. The scheme reportedly involved labeling him as a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a tactic that has allegedly been used to target wealthy individuals for extortion.
In response to the allegations, the Enugu Police Command issued a statement denying the accusations, calling them “unfounded.” The statement, signed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, dismissed the claims, stating that “there is no evidence that the suspect paid ₦2 million to any Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in the Anti-Kidnapping office.” The police further claimed that the named officer, Emmanuel Ahamefuna, does not exist within the Command.
However, fresh evidence has since emerged, contradicting the Command’s stance. Documents obtained by Sahara Reporters reportedly confirm that Agwu indeed transferred ₦2 million to an account linked to an officer known as Emmanuel Ahamefuna. Security sources later revealed that the officer’s real name is Onyeisi, a native of the Nsukka area of Enugu, raising serious questions about police complicity in the scheme.
A security source further disclosed that the commander of the anti-kidnapping squad admitted, in the presence of Commissioner Uzuegbu, that the officer in question operates under the alias Emmanuel Ahamefuna as a front for his illegal activities. This revelation has fueled suspicions of a coordinated cover-up within the police hierarchy.
Reacting to the scandal, RULAAC, in an open letter dated February 15, 2025, signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, insisted that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) cannot be allowed to investigate itself. Addressing the PSC Chairman, Nwanguma stated:
> “We note that the NPF has issued a rebuttal, but the police cannot be a judge in its own case. The allegations involve top officers, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), making an independent probe imperative.”
RULAAC condemned the disturbing pattern of framing innocent citizens as IPOB members to extort money and called for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the anti-kidnapping squad and SWAT teams allegedly involved.
In its petition, RULAAC outlined key demands:
A transparent and independent investigation into the roles played by police officials in the extortion.
Protection and justice for Mr. Olu Agwu, including the return of his unlawfully seized vehicle.
Safeguards against police retaliation, ensuring that Agwu is not further harassed.
Strict disciplinary measures against culpable officers, to restore public trust in law enforcement.
This case has once again put a spotlight on systemic corruption and abuse within Nigeria’s security agencies. It underscores a growing concern that law enforcement officers, instead of protecting citizens, are increasingly being implicated in extortion rackets and human rights violations.
As public outrage grows, all eyes are now on the Police Service Commission to ensure an independent and credible investigation that will bring justice to Agwu and hold the corrupt officers accountable. Will the authorities take action, or will this case be swept under the rug like many before it?
The coming days will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 