The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the National Assembly, seeking legislation targeting what it described as the “commercialization of law enforcement” in order to stop extortion from the police and other law enforcement agencies in the country.
Speaking during a press conference, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, outlined the organisation’s concerns about police extortion, illustrating the urgent need for reform, using cases of two victims who recently faced demands for bribes in their pursuit of justice.
HURIWA cited the reported ordeal of a US Army veteran, Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna as a distressing example of systemic corruption within the Police, particularly at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) headquarters in Abuja.
“The US ARMY VETERAN, Mr. BonaventureEzekwenna, has been allegedly embroiled in an unending quest for justice since he reported a rogue police unit’s activities in Anambra State,” Onwubiko explained why it’s necessary to enact legislation to stop what the group called bad policing.
According to HURIWA, the Nigerian-American US ARMY veteran, Ezekwenna allegedly faced extortion from high-ranking officers at FCID Abuja, who allegedly promised to investigate his case but, over three years, have continually demanded bribes without substantial action.
The rights group informed that the veteran, fearing for his safety after repeated threats, recently returned to the United States, as he remains determined to seek accountability, having submitted multiple petitions to Nigerian authorities, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Onwubiko revealed that the US Army veteran had alleged that a certain senior police officer amongst others is jointly running a crime syndicate and advanced fees fraud network in Anambra State.
HURIWA quoted the US Army Veteran as stating that, “Senior police officers at FCID headquarters Abuja are behind the insecurities and destabilisation of Anambra State and other parts of Igboland.
“There are certain individuals, civilians and police officers who make huge money by linking the worst hardcore violent criminal syndicates with senior police officers at FCID headquarters Abuja, who give them assurances of protection from investigation and prosecution for any crimes they commit anywhere in Nigeria,” the group quoted him without any evidence during the news conference.
The police authority has often warned against extortion and has dismissed erring operatives when found wanting.
But HURIWA noted that the rampant cases of extortion requires legislation, describing the increasing cases of extortion especially on the roads as “a shame and disaster” for the country’s image and law enforcement in the country.
HURIWA underscored that the US Army veteran’s experience is not an isolated case, but rather indicative of a larger, systemic issue within law enforcement.
“This type of alleged exploitation, particularly from senior officers tasked with upholding the law, suggests a deep-rooted decay within the institution,” Onwubiko stated.
He added that the National Assembly must urgently address this rot by enacting legislation that not only bans such practices but also prescribes strict penalties for officers found guilty of extorting crime victims.
The Rights group is writing to request that the public complaints committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate should organise open, public hearing on these ugly developments.
Onwubiko also highlighted the plight of a journalist, whose car was stolen, and when the reporter approached the police for assistance, officers allegedly demanded a ₦500,000 payment to track the stolen vehicle.
While contending that such extortion tactics are prevalent across the country, with many police commands setting “standard charges” for crime victims seeking assistance, HURIWA lamented, that “is not how to combat crime.”
Onwubiko argued that, “If law enforcement institutions prioritise financial gain over their duty to protect citizens, they not only fail the public but also contribute to a culture of impunity and insecurity.”
He insisted that the National Assembly must intervene decisively to curb the commercialization of police services, a trend the organisation believes has grown unchecked for years.
The human rights association argued that the root of this issue lies in the lack of transparency and accountability within the police force, particularly in how funds are allocated and utilised.
“Despite significant budget increases, from ₦15 billion in 2015 to ₦400 billion in 2023, there is little to show in terms of infrastructural improvement, with many police stations in disrepair and law enforcement training facilities underfunded and neglected.
HURIWA asserted that the poor conditions in police detention centres are so dire that detainees risk contracting diseases due to unsanitary environments, while officers focus on extorting crime victims rather than upholding their duties.
HURIWA proposed comprehensive legislation that would impose specific penalties for extortion, applicable to all law enforcement personnel, from the IGP to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
The organisation also called for the creation of a Directorate within the Police Service Commission to oversee compliance with anti-extortion laws.
This body, HURIWA suggested, should have the power to investigate and hold accountable any officer or police unit involved in exploitative practices.
HURIWA disclosed that it will table this position in detail to the new hierarchy of the police service commission.
Furthermore, HURIWA called for increased oversight, particularly at the FCID headquarters in Abuja, which the organisation claimed is rife with allegations of corruption.
They also demanded for the umpteenth time, the immediate release of CCTV footage from the FCID premises, which allegedly holds key evidence of police officers assaulting the veteran during his last visit.
According to HURIWA, the footage could expose the complicity of certain officers in shielding criminal elements rather than prosecuting them.
HURIWA warned that failing to address these systemic issues could lead to a further erosion of public trust in law enforcement and a worsening of Nigeria’s security situation.
“When law enforcement becomes a business transaction, the very principles of justice and accountability are undermined. Nigeria cannot afford to allow its law enforcement agencies to devolve into centres of extortion and exploitation,” Onwubiko concluded.