The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos has detained an Inspector of Police identified as Kalu over allegations of extortion and torture.
Kalu was accused of leading a team of policemen that violated the rights of a Nigerian and extorted him of millions of naira.
Already, the FCID confirmed that N4million, which was obtained from the victim through a Point of Sale (POS) operator, had been recovered following the intervention of the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), FCID, Margaret Ochalla, who directed a probe of the allegations.
The victim had taken to X to narrate his ordeal in the hands of the policemen, alleging that he was extorted, his wife tear-gassed and his rights grossly violated.
Writing under the handle Oni Foto, the victim narrated how he was arrested, accused of trumped-up crimes, and subjected to severe torture.
He said he was arrested on August 12, around 7:20am, at Unity Estate, Egbeda, adding that the policemen threatened his life and that of his family.
He said the policemen barged into his house through his landlady’s shop claiming to have petitions against him without showing him any, adding that they didn’t even know his name.
According to him, the officers punched and beat him up, as well as groped his genitals, adding that they threatened to kill him.
He alleged that he was first accused of drug trafficking, then of cyber-fraud, which he denied, only for the policemen to assault him and forced him to sign a statement dictated to him by them.
The rogue policemen, he said, first demanded N10 million from him before bargaining down the sum, describing the ordeal as “buying his own life and freedom”.
The officers, he alleged, kept him at the back of the FCID office, without registering him at the counter or recording his case in the incident log.
“Because they were unable to provide any warrant, we were scared that they might not even be policemen but kidnappers disguised as officers. They were not in uniform, except for two men dressed in black, armed with guns, teargas, a short knife, and handcuffs, dressed like MOPOLs who had been hired.
“During the arrest, I was assaulted by the officers. My wife was also beaten by them, and one officer pulled her hair, dragged her, and sprayed teargas into her eyes several times, leaving her unable to see for the entire day.
“The same happened to my wife’s younger sister, who is 18 years old. They beat her, pulled her hair, and also sprayed teargas into her eyes (she is receiving medical treatment and recovering). I am attaching medical documentation as evidence, as well as a video of the arrest.
“I overheard the officers chatting among themselves, saying that it looked like my neighbour had money and that they would come back for him too.
“After I was dragged into their minibus, they drove me about 500-700 meters and began beating me again. Their main boss, whom I later learned was called Kalu while at their office, was the one spitting on my face and punching me.
“Meanwhile, the Yoruba man with them dragged my private part for over 10-15 seconds, saying I was trying to spoil their operation. Another person tightened the handcuffs on my wrists to the point of almost breaking them, while one Hausa man, who was armed, choked me from behind the seat since I was sitting at the front.
“They beat, tortured, and dehumanised me throughout the ride to Ikoyi. At some point, I started screaming “kidnappers, kidnappers!” and that was when they began beating me all over again…
“After I was put in the prison cell, my wife called a lawyer to attend to my case due to the unlawful arrest. However, Mr. Kalu told the lawyer to inform me that if I was not ready to cooperate with him and write what he dictated, then they would negotiate how much I should bribe him or else I would remain in prison, and my reputation would be destroyed. He said the lawyer could either play along or open a court file…”
The allegations by the victim generated outcry with Nigerians demanding investigation, justice and refund of the money collected from him.
The FCID in a statement on Monday night said Kalu and the POS agent had been arrested.
“During interrogation, the officer admitted that a report had earlier been lodged against the petitioner by concerned citizens for allegedly terrorizing the community.
“Upon his arrest, the petitioner further confessed to his involvement in identity theft, providing supporting evidence. He was, thereafter, released on bail with instructions to return the following Monday for continuation of the investigation.
“In her statement, the POS agent confessed that the complainant had visited her stand to request ₦4 million, which she provided. Subsequently, the complainant returned and left the money with her without any further explanation.
“In line with its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and fair justice delivery, the AIG FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Margaret Ochalla, ensured the full recovery of the fund, which have since been received by the petitioner. Meanwhile, Inspector Kalu is undergoing an Orderly Room Trial.
“The AIG FCID Annex, Lagos wishes to reassure the public of its zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct. Members of the public are encouraged to report any misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels, as the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and quality service delivery,” said the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), FCID Annex, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aminat Mayegun.
