Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller

Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State, attached to the tactical “Octopus Strike Force,” have been accused of extorting ₦150,000 from a Lagos-based traveller, raising fresh concerns over police misconduct and illegal stop-and-search operations.

The victim, Henry Deekor, a content creator, singer and vocal coach from Lagos, said the incident occurred while he was travelling to Port Harcourt for a burial ceremony in Bdere community.

According to his account, he encountered a police checkpoint in a bushy area where officers stopped him and subsequently took him away from the roadside into a more secluded location. Despite searching his belongings and finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly accused him of internet fraud based on profiling.

Deekor said the officers claimed they had received training from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and insisted on taking him to their office. He was then reportedly detained inside a vehicle and pressured to either “settle” them or face detention.

Fearing the consequences, he said he was forced to transfer ₦152,000 (including charges) to a Point of Sale operator, Bariduura Friday Penu, who handed over ₦150,000 cash to the officers.

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“They initially demanded ₦250,000 before settling for ₦150,000. I had no choice but to pay to secure my release,” he said.

He further noted that the officers involved could not be identified as they were not wearing name tags, complicating efforts to hold them accountable.

Reacting to the allegation, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that details of the incident had been requested and would be forwarded to the commander of the Octopus Strike Force for investigation.

The incident has reignited public concern over extortion by police officers, particularly during roadside checks, with calls for stricter enforcement of accountability measures and disciplinary action against erring personnel.

The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, urging Nigerians to report cases of abuse through official channels.

Observers say the outcome of the investigation will be critical in addressing issues of police brutality, extortion, and abuse of power, and in restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller