Jonathan Towuru, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone Six in Calabar, has ordered disciplinary action and prosecution for five policemen who forcibly extorted three million Naira from a man at gunpoint last week.
Towuru emphasized that such actions would serve as a deterrent to others. In a statement dated July 1, 2024, and signed by SP Nelson Okpabi, the Zonal PRO, it was confirmed that the five officers have been detained, and an investigation has begun. The statement reiterated that the zone would not tolerate any criminal behavior among its officers.
The incident involved police officers from the zone who were on patrol along the Ikom-Calabar highway. They were accused of engaging in corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct.
The statement read: “The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar, condemns the unprofessional conduct of the policemen accused of abducting and extorting N3,000,000 from an individual last week. The AIG has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the facts behind the allegations and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.”
Towuru, known for his zero-tolerance policy towards crime and misconduct, vowed to enforce strict disciplinary actions against the offending officers to serve as a deterrent to others. The zone is committed to maintaining order and preventing crime among its ranks.
The statement concluded that the results of the investigation, including potential trials and prosecutions, would be made public in due course.