The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has issued a warning to police officers against extorting money from motorists and commercial transport operators. During a recent engagement with major transport stakeholders in Calabar, Ordue emphasized that no police officer is authorized to demand or solicit payments during stop-and-search operations or any other lawful police activity. This warning comes amid renewed complaints of alleged extortion by some police personnel in Calabar and other parts of the state.
The warning was delivered by the Divisional Police Officer, Atakpa Police Division, CSP Azenda Peter, on behalf of the commissioner. The engagement, which was attended by executive members of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, aimed to address concerns and promote professionalism among police personnel. Ordue's administration has been working to curb extortion and maintain discipline within the police force.
Commissioner Ordue advised drivers and riders not to make payments to police officers who demand or solicit money during stop-and-search operations. Instead, they should promptly report such incidents to the authorities. He emphasized that the prohibition of extortion does not exempt motorists and riders from obeying traffic laws and lawful police directives. The commissioner encouraged transport stakeholders to comply with applicable road traffic laws and report any instances of police misconduct.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, released a statement reiterating the commissioner's warning. Akata emphasized that violations of traffic laws would be addressed through established legal and enforcement procedures. The Cross River State Police Command remains committed to engaging with transport stakeholders and the public to address legitimate complaints and ensure that police personnel maintain professionalism and integrity.
Commissioner Ordue also reminded police personnel of their duty to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities. He assured that credible allegations of police misconduct would receive attention and be handled in accordance with the law. The meeting with transport stakeholders provided a platform for the police to interact with the public and address concerns.
The engagement was attended by key stakeholders, including the State Chairman of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, Nta Henshaw, and the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Pastor Ekpenyong Ewa. The meeting demonstrated the police's commitment to collaboration and community policing.
The Cross River State Police Command's efforts to curb extortion and promote professionalism are ongoing. The command encourages motorists and riders to report any instances of police misconduct, and stakeholders to comply with road traffic laws. The initiative aims to enhance public trust and confidence in the police force.
Key points
- The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has warned police officers against demanding or collecting money from motorists during stop-and-search operations.
- The warning was delivered during an engagement with major transport stakeholders in Calabar.
- The commissioner advised drivers and riders to report any police officer who demands or solicits money from them.
