The Imo State Police Command has arrested Joint Task Foce (JTF) security operatives stationed at Seven and Half Junction in Obowo Local Government Area over allegations of extorting motorists.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye confirmed the development on Saturday following the circulation of a viral video showing security personnel allegedly extorting travellers.
“Update on Viral Video Involving JTF Personnel in Obowo. The personnel involved in the Joint Security Patrol at Obowo, as seen in the viral video, have all been arrested and are currently in detention.
“Upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, each personnel will be released to their respective security agencies for appropriate disciplinary action,” Okoye said.
In the video, the operatives were seen checking the phones and banking apps of travellers, with motorists standing helplessly as their devices were searched amid demands for money.
Security personnel from the Army, Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps were shown harassing travellers at Seven and Half Junction and Amanze Junction, both in Obowo LGA.
At one point, a Police operative in a patrol van was seen searching the phones of several young boys, opening banking apps, an act previously condemned by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as criminal and illegal. In another clip, an operative inside a Hilux patrol vehicle seized a traveller’s laptop while inspecting documents. In a separate scene, a security operative was heard instructing a colleague to confirm the money extorted from a traveller, saying, “You don confirm the money” (have you confirmed the money).
The video has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from members of the public.
Okoye added that investigations are ongoing and assured that the arrested operatives would face disciplinary action by their respective security agencies.
