The Abia State Police Command has launched an investigation into a traffic officer filmed allegedly attempting to extort money from a commercial tricycle rider at Azikiwe Junction, Aba Road, Umuahia.
In the viral footage, a woman is seen confronting the officer over the alleged act, while the tricycle operator displayed the money he claimed he was being forced to hand over.
The officer, however, denied the allegation on camera.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Abia police public relations officer, Maureen Chinaka, said the officer involved has been identified and that investigations are ongoing at the state Criminal Investigation Department.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of a trending video on Facebook showing a traffic officer of the Command who was alleged of Attempting to extort an auto-rickshaw (Keke) rider.
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“The officer involved has been identified, and investigation into the incident is ongoing at the state CID,”Chinaka said.
The Abia Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reiterated the force’s commitment to professional conduct, saying the command maintains a zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that could tarnish the image of the police.
“In line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, officers and men of the Command will continue to be professional, service-driven, rule of law compliant, and people-friendly in the discharge of their duties across the State,” the statement concluded.