Two police officers from the Aba Area Command are facing allegations of soliciting a bribe of N600,000 for the release of workers from Livestock Feeds, a company accused of theft.
The officers involved are identified as Uche, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) for the case, and her superior, Akudo Ogbonna.
Reports indicate that the workers have been unlawfully detained since Friday, following the company’s claim that some of its raw materials had gone missing. Without conducting any investigation, authorities reportedly arrested ten employees.
According to sources, four of the workers were released after paying N100,000 each, while the remaining six remain in custody due to their inability to pay the bribe.
A voice note obtained by SaharaReporters captures Uche stating, “If they can’t pay, they will stay here. I will release them only when they pay. Ask the others how much they paid.”
One relative of an arrested worker shared, “As of 1 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024, I am at the Area Command in Aba. A family member has been detained here. He and others were falsely accused by Livestock Feeds without any investigation. This company, which produces chicken feed, claimed their raw materials were missing and decided to arrest all ten staff members without due process.”
The relative continued, “On October 4, we attempted to bail them out, but the police claimed they were still investigating. When we returned on October 5, Uche and Akudo Ogbonna informed us they couldn’t establish any theft but required N100,000 for each worker’s release. Four workers have paid, but the remaining six cannot afford the bribe.”
The family member urged, “I implore all concerned Nigerians to look into this matter. Officers Uche and Akudo Ogbonna are extorting innocent citizens at this command.”
SaharaReporters made attempts to reach ASP Maureen C. Chinaka, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, but did not receive a response. Calls went unanswered, and a text message was also ignored at the time of reporting.
However, Kayode Ajayi, the Area Commander for the Aba Area Command, confirmed the arrest of the workers. He stated, “A petition was submitted to my office by a company through their lawyer, accusing ten staff members of embezzling over N70 million. They were brought in for questioning, and they agreed to pool funds among themselves.”
Ajayi added, “I instructed the IPO not to hold suspects beyond 48 hours, so I ordered their release or charging to court. I was informed that Uche was demanding N100,000 for a relative’s release. I spoke to her and reiterated my directive for their release.”
When informed about the audio recording of Uche soliciting a bribe, he remarked, “I don’t work on Sundays, so I’m unaware of the situation. The person who sent the audio should have waited until tomorrow so I can address Uche directly. I do not tolerate misconduct. The families of those still detained should meet with me tomorrow.”
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