Police probe officer over alleged extortion, intimidation of Lagos couple

Police probe officer over alleged extortion, intimidation of Lagos couple

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, has launched an internal investigation into serious allegations of extortion, intimidation, and unprofessional conduct leveled against one of its officers by a Lagos-based couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chidi Mitchell Onyiah.

The probe follows a formal petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by the couple through their legal representative, Savn Daniel of Otung, Okoh & Co. Chambers.

According to the petition, the couple’s ordeal began in July 2023 after they legally acquired a property located at No. 2 Salami Street, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, from one Mr. Sulaiman Ojora. The transaction, they said, was fully documented, captured on video, and finalized with a deed of assignment signed by all parties involved.

READ ALSO:

• U.S lawmakers push sanctions on Nigerian governors, others over ‘Christian genocide’ claims
• Cooking gas price sells at N1,200 per kg
• Otedola donates N4 Billion to Augustine University, awards N10 million to physically-challenged graduate

However, the couple alleged that shortly after the purchase, a politician expressed interest in the same property, triggering a series of threats and challenges to their ownership. Despite the transaction being facilitated by an accredited agent and witnessed by multiple parties, the dispute was reported to the FCID Annex, where an officer was assigned to investigate.

Rather than mediate the matter, the couple claimed the officer subjected them to harassment and intimidation. They further alleged that the officer detained a third party who had issued them a conveyance letter and even threatened to implicate them in the death of one of the individuals involved in the dispute.

When contacted, FCID Annex spokesperson, Aminat Mayegun, confirmed that the allegations had been brought to the department’s attention. “The officer in question has already submitted a statement to the X-Squad following the couple’s petition, although the petitioners did not appear. Nonetheless, we are committed to hearing all sides and ensuring a fair and transparent investigation,” she said.

Mayegun added that if the officer is found culpable, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in line with police regulations.

The case underscores growing concerns about accountability within law enforcement agencies and the need for transparent mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct.

Police probe officer over alleged extortion, intimidation of Lagos couple