Police Refund N1.4 Million Allegedly Extorted from Four Men in Anambra

Police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the refund of N1.4 million allegedly extorted from four residents by officers attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area.

The development follows a complaint raised by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who accused the officers of unlawful arrest, torture, and extortion.

In an update shared on Thursday, Mr Gwamnishu said the officers returned a total of N1,485,000 to the victims, exceeding the initial sum he reported days earlier.

He identified the victims as Emmanuel Agu, Chukwuebuka David, Vitalis Njoku, and Tochukwu Joshua. According to him, the men were detained and forced under duress to transfer money into accounts linked to the officers after being accused of belonging to a secret cult.

Mr Gwamnishu stated that the intervention of the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), operating under the office of the Inspector-General of Police, led to swift action. He added that the officers involved have been identified, although their names were not disclosed publicly.

The activist also confirmed that a team from Abuja visited Awka as part of the investigation, while the refunded money was transferred back to the victims through an account they provided.

The Police Complaint Response Unit acknowledged the refund in a statement, noting that it acted on the complaint and reaffirming its stance against misconduct within the force.

The case adds to a series of recent allegations involving police officers across Nigeria, including claims of extortion, abuse, and unlawful detention. Despite disciplinary actions in some cases, concerns about accountability within the police persist.