CITIZENS COMPASS—The Nigeria Police, Force CID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos has reacted to viral online news report making the rounds about some officers under its watch who were allegedly involved in human rights violation of a Nigerian and NGN 2 million extortion from the same person. The person’s victimization story was published on Oni Foto Facebook page and also circulated by the Take It Back movement on Twitter. The victim accused the officers of physically assaulting him and teargassing his wife who was also present at the incident. The event was said to have happened on Tuesday 12th August at Unity Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
The victim called on the IGP, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon, whose men were allegedly involved in the incident. He also called on CP Lagos Command, and the PPRO Lagos Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin to act decisively on the issue.
Upon getting this news, the AIG in charge of the Force CID Annex Alagbon, AIG Ochalla has swiftly reacted to the unfortunate incident urging the victim, his family, and the entire public to exercise restraint in order for the FCID Annex to get to the root of the matter asserting that she is personally involved in the investigation of the said incident.
In a brief statement to newsmen, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon stated: ‘I came across your recent tweet concerning personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), where you raised allegations of extortion and human rights violations. Please accept our sincere apologies for the experience you may have encountered.’
Establishing that investigation has begun and she is personally involved in the matter. She added that the said officer Kalu and others who worked with him would go through internal disciplinary mechanisms and will be brought to book if found wanting, as she noted that the Nigeria Police Force has, over the years, shown that it can purge itself and openly expose anyone who constitutes nuisance to the integrity of the Force. AIG highlighted: ‘Kindly be assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be taken against any officer found culpable.’
‘Efforts will also be made towards the recovery of any funds extorted’, she assured the family about the alleged NGN 2 million extortion.
Ochalla encouraged Nigerians to kindly avail themselves of the Police Complaint Rescue Unit (Police CRU) which also have platforms across all social media like Twitter and Facebook to lodge complaints in case they do not want to physically go to a police station for their complaints. ‘For future reference, I encourage you to promptly reach out to our Public Complaint Unit, whose contact details are available online, so that immediate action can be taken.’
To further reiterate her deep interest in the matter, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon asked that the victim could reach her directly on her direct phone line. She stated: ‘Due to your account settings, I was unable to reach you directly through our official handle. However, you may contact me via 07068865833 should you wish to provide further details or evidence. We remain committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and justice.’
