Nigerian freelance journalist and actor Somto Okonkwo has shared a troubling account of his recent experience with police in Imo State, where he and his crew were reportedly harassed and unlawfully detained from last Friday to Saturday.
In a detailed 13-minute video, Okonkwo recounted how officers from the Imo State CID’s Anti-Narcotics and Drug Unit stopped them while they were on their way to retrieve a lost SIM card at the MTN office. Despite no incriminating items being found during a search of their vehicle, the officers allegedly demanded a bribe of N1.5 million, claiming the group was in possession of counterfeit US dollars used as props for their film.
“Is the Nigeria police now kidnappers? IG of Police, I’m making this video to call your attention to these events. Everything I’m saying is true,” Okonkwo stated. He appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma, expressing disbelief that he could face such treatment while visiting the state.
Okonkwo explained that he had traveled from Port Harcourt to Owerri for a film shoot. In the past, they used real currency in their productions, but due to security concerns, they switched to using prop money, clearly labeled as not for purchasing goods.
On the day of the incident, he said they were stopped on Yar’Adua Drive near Everyday Supermarket. Okonkwo identified himself as a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and explained their purpose. However, the officers insisted on a search and discovered the prop money, which had clear markings indicating its use for film production only.
One officer allegedly warned them they had “entered a big problem” and demanded payment. Despite showing his credentials and explaining the situation, Okonkwo claimed the officers refused to let them leave and instead insisted on taking them to the police station.
They were detained in a police bus for over an hour before being taken to the State CID in Owerri. Inside the station, they were kept with individuals arrested for serious offenses, further complicating their situation. Okonkwo described the harsh conditions, including a lack of food and basic care, especially for a crew member with asthma.
After a prolonged ordeal, during which Okonkwo’s family learned of their situation through social media, the police reportedly negotiated a reduced bribe, asking for N300,000, citing the need to cover expenses for an inhaler for the crew member. Ultimately, they paid N15,000 for the inhaler and were released.
Okonkwo is now calling for intervention from the Inspector General of Police, the governor, and notable figures in the community, urging them to address the rampant extortion and abuse of power by police officers in the state.
Despite attempts to reach the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for a comment, there has been no response.
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