The Nigerian Police returned ₦834,000 extorted by its officers from members of the public to the owners between July and September.
The force also sanctioned 17 police officers, including the suspension of an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Ikorodu, Lagos State, during the period for “corrupt practices”.
According to a statement by the Police Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit on Monday, the crackdown on corrupt officers is in line with Federal Government desire to bring an end to impunity by police officers.
The statement reads, “In the pursuit of implementing the ‘Change Begins with Me’ Campaign of the Federal Government and in line with the desire of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, in bringing an end to impunity, the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit in Q3 2017 recovered and returned a total sum of ₦834,000 extorted money to members of the public.
“Sixteen police officers were also sanctioned for various acts of professional misconduct during the period under review (July-September, 2017).
“The Police Service Commission equally approved the suspension from service of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Bayo Obadiah attached to Area Command Ikorodu, Lagos over corrupt practices.”
The PCRRU said it arrested two terror suspects in Akoko Area of Ondo State and recovered the sum of ₦100,000 extorted from a woman in Kano State, adding that 764 complaints in the period under review.
It said, “A total number of 764 complaints was recorded in the Q3 2017. With Lagos State Command topping the state Ranking table with 180 (23.56%), followed by Rivers State with 102 (13.35%) and FCT-Abuja 87 (11.39%). Sokoto and Plateau State Commands recorded no complaint in the period under review. In all, Phone call was the most preferred channel by members of the public for lodging complaints with 447 (58.5%), WhatsApp 203 (26.57%), Twitter 19 (2.49%), Facebook 6 (0.71%), SMS 3 (0.39%), BBM 1 (0.13%) and others (Written Petition, Media Publications etc.) 29 (3.80%).
“Several massive sensitization campaigns were carried out in selected states. Helicopter airdrops were carried out in Kano and Kaduna States. Face-to-face dissemination was carried out in Borno and Ondo States by PCRRU agents. Most of which was achievable with the collaboration and support received from our partners which have provided for a notable increase in the rate of engagement between PCRRU and members of the public in Q3 2017 (i.e. July – September) than in the same period in 2016.
“Efforts are ongoing to upgrade the PCRRU Call Centre so as to improve the efficiency of the unit. Remember, Bail is Free. PCRRU says No To Impunity.” (Punch)