The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, has accused Assistant Inspector-General of Police Emmanuel Agene of alleged extortion and intimidation of lawyers and suspects. The allegations were made by the branch chairman, Alhassan Mu'azu, after the branch's monthly congress. Mu'azu claimed that Agene demanded money before releasing a suspect, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara, on bail. The suspect was being investigated for cyberbullying.
According to Mu'azu, the controversy began when a branch member, E.S. Tizhe, represented Gara at the FCID Annex, Gombe. Mu'azu stated that as a lawyer, it is his constitutional right to represent his client, citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. He alleged that Agene demanded money before Gara could be released on bail, describing the demand as "unheard of, unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional."
The Gombe NBA branch has constituted a committee to investigate complaints concerning the activities of the FCID Annex. Mu'azu stated that the committee has gathered information from other alleged victims and is preparing its report. The branch is calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate the allegations and prosecute Agene if found guilty. Mu'azu also disclosed that Tizhe had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter.
In his petition dated September 7, 2026, Tizhe alleged that his client was arrested on August 14, 2026, and that Agene demanded money for the suspect's release. Tizhe claimed that the suspect initially paid N100,000 and that he was asked to submit his Call to Bar certificate and NBA identification card as part of the bail process. He also alleged that on August 20, he personally paid N500,000 after being threatened.
However, Agene denied the allegations, stating that he did not demand or receive money from the suspect, his surety, or the lawyer. In a letter dated October 2, 2026, Agene stated that the case involved an allegation of cyberbullying and that the suspect had made a statement confessing to the offence. He claimed that the lawyer had requested administrative bail for his client and that the conditions for bail were communicated to the suspect.
Agene maintained that the documents submitted by the lawyer were voluntarily provided and denied that the action was connected to extortion. He challenged the lawyer to produce evidence if any money had been demanded or collected. Agene also accused the lawyer and the suspect of attempting to intimidate people through social media for financial compensation.
The Gombe NBA branch is prepared to present evidence to the police authorities if invited and has threatened to sue the AIG and the Nigerian Police Force if no action is taken. The branch is awaiting the outcome of the Inspector-General of Police's consideration of the matter. The allegations have sparked a heated debate over police extortion and intimidation of lawyers and suspects in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, has accused Assistant Inspector-General of Police Emmanuel Agene of alleged extortion and intimidation of lawyers and suspects.
- The allegations were made by the branch chairman, Alhassan Mu'azu, after the branch's monthly congress.
- Agene has denied the allegations, stating that he did not demand or receive money from the suspect, his surety, or the lawyer.
