This incident highlights a serious issue of alleged corruption and abuse of power within the police force. The demand for bribes to release individuals detained without proper investigation is a significant violation of human rights and due process. The fact that some workers have reportedly been released after paying bribes further underscores the problem.
If true, such actions by the police personnel involved (identified as Uche and Akudo Ogbonna) represent a breakdown in the ethical and legal standards expected from law enforcement officers. The allegations of illegal detention and extortion could lead to serious consequences, both legally and in terms of public trust in the police.
This matter will likely need to be investigated by relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and to prevent such practices from continuing. Public awareness and media coverage can help bring attention to the issue and pressure authorities to act.
A relative of one of the arrested workers said, “As I’m speaking to you, at 1 pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024, I’m at the Area Command in Aba, Abia State. A family member was arrested and was taken to this Area Command police station.
This situation appears to be a case of alleged police extortion following the arrest of employees at a company called Livestock Feeds in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. According to the relative of one of the arrested workers, these individuals were accused of theft of raw materials, but after an investigation, no evidence of theft was found. Despite this, the police are reportedly demanding ₦100,000 each for the release of the remaining six workers.
This kind of situation can be incredibly distressing and highlights potential abuses of power. If the investigation concluded that there was no theft, detaining the workers and demanding money for their release is highly questionable and could be a violation of their rights.
Here are a few steps that could be taken:
- Contact Legal Aid: Engaging with legal professionals or human rights organizations like the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, or civil society groups, can help bring attention to the issue and provide necessary legal support.
- Media and Advocacy: Raising awareness through social media or contacting media outlets to highlight the case could put pressure on the police and the authorities involved.
- File a Formal Complaint: If extortion is proven, filing a complaint with higher authorities, such as the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters or the Public Complaints Commission, could initiate an investigation into the officers involved.
It’s important that such matters are addressed to prevent future occurrences and to ensure justice for the individuals involved.
However, Kayode Ajayi, Area Commander, Aba Area Command, confirmed the arrest of the workers.
He said, “There was a petition submitted to my office by a company through their lawyer, about 10 staff members of the company were accused of embezzling over N70 million. They were brought to my office for interview, I spoke to all of them. They later agreed to look for the money among themselves.
“I told the IPO I don’t like detaining suspects for more than 48 hours in the cell, so I told them to be released since they have agreed or be charged to court.
“Someone as well called me last night that the IPO was demanding N100,000 for his relative to be released. So I spoke to Uche and asked why he wasn’t following my order that they should be released, he said the guy said he won’t make any contribution to the company as agreed.
“I know four of them have been released and the remaining six are still in the cell because nobody has come for them or how much they will contribute to the company, not for bail.”
When told of being in possession of an audio recording of the IPO Uche requesting for N100,000 bribe, he said, “I don’t go to work on Sunday, so I can’t be aware.
“But the person who sent the audio should have waited till tomorrow so I can deal with Uche myself. I don’t condone indiscipline. Let the family of the suspects still in detention see me tomorrow.”
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