Controversy Brews: Rivers Police Accused of N100 Million Extortion from Ritual Suspect

The Rivers State Police Command finds itself entangled in controversy as allegations of extorting over N100 million from a cybercrime suspect come to light.

In a recent operation, the Rivers State Police Command apprehended Mr. Atubi Davison on suspicion of cybercrime in Port Harcourt. What set this operation apart was the staggering discovery of over N100 million hidden in his ceiling, consisting mostly of US dollars and Nigerian naira.

While Davison was initially arrested as a suspected internet fraudster, sources now claim that he may have had ties to a significant pipeline surveillance contract. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the police hierarchy in the state, sparking panic and internal discord.

In an attempt to manage the crisis, senior police officers including the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and the Commissioner of Police have convened multiple meetings. Their goal: to prevent the issue from escalating further.

The situation has escalated to the point where a rights advocate, Israel Joe, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to demand a thorough investigation into the matter. Joe, who is based in Delta State, alleges that Davison was extorted of N80 million and a N4 million gold necklace by an ACP and two other officers identified as Emmanuel and Uche.

According to Joe’s petition, the police raided Davison’s residence on September 14, seizing over N100 million intended for payment to workers securing pipeline facilities in the Niger Delta. Davison, allegedly a chairman of one of these units, claimed the funds were meant for worker compensation.

Joe further disclosed that the police confiscated two cars and a gold chain necklace valued at N4 million during the raid, arresting four individuals in Davison’s home, including a female.

The controversy deepened when the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department reportedly suggested to Joe that they might send N30 million to the IGP and N16 million to the CP, releasing only N12 million to Davison. The rest of the seized money, along with the gold chain, two plasma television sets, and personal items from his house, remained in police custody.

Joe and concerned parties are now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter and the return of the confiscated money, arguing that failure to do so could result in unpaid wages for surveillance workers.

In response, the state Police Command refutes the allegations, asserting that Davison was arrested primarily for cybercrime and alleged ritualistic activities. According to the police statement by spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, the substantial sums of money discovered at Davison’s residence, concealed in various currencies, raised suspicions about the source of the funds.

The police claim that Davison’s inability to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money led to his transfer to the SCID for further investigation. They also mention releasing a portion of the confiscated funds to Davison for medical treatment, as he was reportedly unwell.

As this contentious situation unfolds, it casts a shadow of doubt over the actions and integrity of the Rivers State Police Command, leaving the public and authorities anxiously awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation.