Students of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) have raised alarms over increasing incidents of police extortion, harassment, and intimidation in Abakaliki and its surrounding areas. According to the students, these actions by the police have become a major source of distress, further eroding trust in law enforcement.
The students expressed dismay that the police, who are meant to protect citizens, are instead engaging in behavior that undermines their constitutional duties. The situation has been described as both “worrisome” and “unbecoming,” with the police’s actions representing a significant departure from their role in maintaining public safety.
In response to the ongoing situation, Comrade Oshim Tobias Nkwegu, President of the Students’ Union Government at Ebonyi State University, has formally addressed the matter in a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Augustine Ogbodo. The letter, titled “Appreciation and Concern Over the Conduct of Some Police Officers in Abakaliki/Ebonyi State,” calls for immediate intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Students’ Union Government of Ebonyi State University, I extend our sincere appreciation for the notable reduction in citizen-initiated theft and robbery in Ebonyi State under your leadership. Your efforts to ensure the safety and security of the citizens are commendable, and we recognize the positive impact on our community.
“However, it is with deep concern that I bring to your attention a troubling development. We have received numerous reports from students and youths in Ebonyi State, particularly in Abakaliki, about alarming incidents of police-initiated extortion and intimidation.”
Nkwegu highlighted the distressing reality that some police officers, entrusted with the responsibility to protect and serve, have instead engaged in activities akin to theft and robbery, particularly targeting students.
“These incidents of police extortion have created a climate of fear among students, many of whom have been forced to surrender their hard-earned money under duress,” Nkwegu stated.
He further noted that in some instances, students who resist such intimidation are unlawfully detained without any formal complaint lodged against them, exacerbating the distress they face.
“As the President of the SUG, it is my duty to represent the interests and welfare of the students of Ebonyi State University. In light of these concerns, I respectfully make the following requests:
“We kindly ask that your office issue a public order through the media, warning all police officers in Abakaliki against engaging in such unlawful activities. It is crucial that an unequivocal message is sent, indicating that such behavior will not be tolerated and that any officer found guilty of extortion or intimidation will face the full force of the law.
“We also request that the Students’ Union Government of Ebonyi State University be granted the authority to review the complaints and statements of students currently detained in your cells. This is particularly important as many of these cases appear to lack formal complainants and seem to stem from students resisting extortion demands by certain officers.”
Nkwegu concluded by emphasizing the unrest the current situation has caused among students and youths in Ebonyi State. He warned that if no positive response is received, students may be compelled to seek assistance from the general public—a scenario they hope to avoid.
“We trust that your office will take swift and decisive action to address these concerns, thereby restoring the confidence of the students in the police force,” he added.
For more updates and to stay connected with the latest news, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0JEbonyi.