Alleged ₦80m extortion: Police invite rights activist, Israel Joe over attacks on IGP, Egbetokun

The Nigeria Police has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged extortion of eighty million naira from the Chairman of a surveillance facility by men of the Rivers State Police Command.

It also invited human rights activist, Israel Joe over alleged attacks on the person of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, with respect to the same matter.

The NPF handed down the invitation in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi and made it available on its Facebook timeline.

Commenting on recent allegations by some media platforms that the IGP and other Senior Police Officers were involved in sharing of monies recovered in the course of investigations, the Police image maker said, "To ensure that our investigation is comprehensive and unbiased, the complainant who has made these claims is hereby urged to contact the Force Public Relations Officer as we request your cooperation and any relevant information regarding the matter.

"We encourage you to reach out to the FPRO directly via phone at 08037168147.

"Additionally, we invite anyone else with information, including the blogger, Diamond Dietanuru Osakorigho of Pararan Mock News, who went ahead to attack the IGP's personality using abusive words on social media platforms without bothering to make findings and verify issues on the incident in Rivers State Police Command."

"The IGP was hitherto unaware of the extant case and has tasked the IGP Monitoring Unit with carrying out in depth investigations into the allegations so as to determine the culpability or otherwise of all parties involved.

"Furthermore, we would like to seize this opportunity to advise the public about the activities of fraudulent individuals who attempt to exploit the reputation of the Inspector General of Police and other senior officers for personal gains.

"We strongly urge members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any individual claiming to represent Senior Police Officers in any unwholesome venture.

"In its commitment to ensuring transparency, some individuals who indulge in these fraudulent acts have been arrested and prosecuted. Our zero tolerance and spirited efforts to kick against these criminal acts, either from the members of the public or service officers, are paying off and evident.

"If anyone, including police officers, claims to be acting as an agent for the IGP or any senior Police officer for any suspicious or fraudulent activity, we urge you to report such smart moves immediately to the NPF and the Force Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) desk in any state of the Federation.

"The Nigeria Police Force appreciates your cooperation and assistance in helping us ensure a fair and just investigation. Together, we can maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the Nigeria Police Force."

In a swift reaction, human rights activist Israel Joe said, "I wrote the petition as regards the extortion by the Rivers State Command, but I'm surprised that isn't the issue they want to treat but issues that gave rise to the extortion. Are you guys serious?

"I'm an ardent activist, and if any case of remand comes from poorly scripted investigations, I will be glad to enter into the prison very proudly.

"We won't be scared of such intimidations. The victim will appear as you have invited us, and even if we don't get justice, we will continue to push on every front."

According to Joe, "In the pillar of natural justice, equity, and good conscience, the Nigeria Police Force is a judge in their own matters.

"Investigating the incident that led to the situation is belated, but they can go ahead and investigate it.

"However, we look forward to an open investigation devoid of sentiment and preconceived notions of the police.

"Investigations have not been conducted, which led to the release of the victim, his cars, and part of the money, but the NPF is already calling people criminals and fraudsters. How can we trust them on a fair trial?"