The Enugu State Police Command is facing mounting scrutiny following shocking allegations that its anti-kidnapping unit extorted N62 million from Lagos-based businessman Mr. Olu Agwu. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, involves claims that Mr. Agwu was coerced into transferring funds to accounts allegedly controlled by police officers, with high-ranking officials implicated in orchestrating the scheme.
According to a detailed petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja by constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Mr. Agwu, a respected and law-abiding citizen, was targeted following a dispute with his business associate, Mr. Michael Umeh. Ozekhome alleges that Umeh, with alleged backing from elements within the Enugu Police Command, falsely accused Mr. Agwu of having ties to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). This fabricated accusation, the petition contends, was used as a pretext to unlawfully arrest Mr. Agwu on December 26, 2024, and subject him to mistreatment, intimidation, and financial coercion.
In his petition, Prof. Ozekhome outlines the harrowing experience endured by Mr. Agwu. “Our client was subjected to unlawful arrest and detention, followed by persistent extortion demands that forced him to relinquish N62 million to avoid further torture and additional charges,” the petition states. Among the key figures implicated in the extortion operation are Hon. Ochi Nonso and an individual known only as ‘Daddy White.’ According to the petition, Nonso was introduced by the Police Commissioner, Kanayo Uzuegbu, and reportedly collected N20 million on behalf of the commissioner. Moreover, an investigating officer allegedly demanded an additional N2 million to modify a coerced statement from Mr. Agwu, with threats of an extra N100 million looming, further jeopardizing his safety and financial well-being.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through both the business community and civil society, igniting fierce calls for accountability and transparency in the operations of the Enugu State Police Command. Consumer rights advocates, along with business leaders, have expressed deep concern over the misuse of power and the blatant abuse of authority, particularly in cases where false affiliations with groups like IPOB are used to facilitate extortion.
“This is not an isolated incident,” commented a human rights activist familiar with the case. “There has been a disturbing trend where high-profile individuals are targeted with baseless allegations to extract money. Such practices are a gross violation of the rule of law and must be addressed immediately.”
Public reaction on social media has been swift and intense. Hashtags such as #JusticeForAgwu and #StopPoliceExtortion have trended on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, with many Nigerians demanding that the Inspector General of Police launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations. Critics argue that if such extortion practices continue unchecked, it could further erode public trust in law enforcement and compromise Nigeria’s efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power.
The petition by Prof. Ozekhome is a clarion call for reform, urging the federal government and the Inspector General of Police to scrutinize the actions of the Enugu State Police Command without delay. It demands not only a full-scale investigation into the extortion scheme but also the immediate cessation of all threats and the recovery of the extorted N62 million. “We are calling on the Inspector General to take swift action to bring those responsible to book, restore Mr. Agwu’s lost funds, and ensure that such violations of legal and ethical standards are not repeated,” the petition states.
Meanwhile, industry observers note that the allegations could have broader implications for Nigeria’s security apparatus. Previous instances of police misconduct have often been met with public outcry, but this recent case stands out for its brazen execution and the involvement of high-ranking officials. “If the police can operate with impunity in cases like this, it sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines the entire fabric of trust between the government and its citizens,” warned a senior security analyst.
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In response to the growing controversy, several civil society organizations have announced plans to organize peaceful protests and public forums to demand greater accountability from the police. They are calling on lawmakers to introduce stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent such abuses in the future and to protect citizens from the exploitation of law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation unfolds, the fate of Mr. Olu Agwu hangs in the balance, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within Nigeria’s police system. With increasing pressure from the public and advocacy groups, the Inspector General of Police is expected to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation in the coming weeks. For now, the case continues to reverberate across the nation, highlighting the critical importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of every Nigerian.
Stay tuned as we bring you further updates on this developing story and the outcome of the investigation into the extortion allegations by the Enugu State Police Command.
