Nigeria Police Force Refunds N80 Million Extorted by Rivers Command to Rights Activist

The Nigeria Police Force has taken corrective action by returning over N80 million and various seized items to Davidson John Atubi, Chairman of a pipeline surveillance facility and a prominent human rights activist.

The refunded sum and recovered items, including two plasma televisions, gold valued at over N5 million, and a standing fan, were allegedly extorted by the Anti-Cyber Crime Unit attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Rivers State Police Command.

Human rights activist, Israel Joe, confirmed in a statement to Vanguard that the funds and belongings were handed back to him and his team on Friday. He expressed appreciation for the justice served and acknowledged the efforts made in seeking the truth.

“We had gone severally to Port Harcourt and Abuja in search of the truth and justice that has been delivered to us,” said Joe. “The IPO Emmanuel Eteng and his group that perpetuated the crime are being disciplined by the police to have lied with the name of the IGP and other top officers to extort.”

Joe went on to commend Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and his team for their commitment to justice and the cleanup of the Rivers State Police Command. He urged the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Tunji Disu, to remain vigilant in monitoring the activities of unscrupulous policemen.

This restitution marks a crucial step towards accountability within the police force and reinforces the importance of upholding justice and integrity in law enforcement.