₦40,000 extortion allegation: FCT Police Identify Officers, Invite Complainant

Identification and Custody of Officers

The FCT Police Command has officially identified and taken into custody officers captured in a viral video allegedly extorting ₦40,000 from a resident. The incident, which reportedly took place along the Wuye-Utako Road near Salem Church in Abuja, has sparked a conversation about police misconduct and the mechanisms available for citizen redress.

Spokesman of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the video had reached the attention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi. The command’s swift reaction aims to address the growing public concern regarding the professional conduct of personnel within the Federal Capital Territory.

The attention of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi has been drawn to a video circulating on social media alleging that police officers of the FCT Police Command extorted an FCT resident of the sum of Forty Thousand Naira (₦40,000) along Wuye - Utako Road, by Salem Church, within the Federal Capital Territory.

— SP Josephine Adeh, Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command

Formal Invitation to the Complainant

Beyond the identification of the suspects, the police have emphasized the need for formal testimony to proceed with the case. The command has extended an invitation to the complainant to visit the headquarters and provide a detailed statement, which is considered essential for the internal disciplinary process.

This move places the resident at the heart of the investigation, bridging the gap between social media allegations and official legal proceedings. The statement will help investigators establish a chronological account of the encounter, ensuring that the facts of the case are properly documented before any further action is taken.

The officers depicted in the video have been identified and are in custody while the Command also invites the complainant to the FCT Police Command Headquarters to tender his statement regarding the incident to aid disciplinary action.

— SP Josephine Adeh, Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command

Commitments to Accountability and Public Trust

The development underscores the delicate balance of trust between the Abuja public and law enforcement. For many, the uniform represents a symbol of protection, and allegations of extortion threaten to erode that foundational relationship. Consequently, the leadership of the FCT Command has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional behavior.

CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi has made it clear that the internal investigation will be thorough and impartial. The Command maintains that accountability is not just about identifying the officers involved, but ensuring that the results of the investigation lead to transparent and appropriate consequences for those found guilty.

Any officer found culpable after due investigation will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary and legal action in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

— SP Josephine Adeh, Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command

Reporting Channels and Future Implications

To facilitate better communication and transparency, the police have provided specific contact lines for the public. Residents who witness or experience misconduct are encouraged to contact the Public Relations Officer at 07038979348 or 08180382808. This open-door policy is part of a broader commitment to respect the rights of all residents within the territory.

The case serves as a test for the institution's ability to hold its own personnel accountable. While the ₦40,000 is the immediate focus, the outcome will likely influence how citizens perceive the police's willingness to listen and investigate internal wrongdoing. For the Abuja resident at the centre of the allegation, the next step involves moving the story from social media into a formal investigative process.