The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced that officers accused of extorting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at a checkpoint in Abuja will face prosecution if found guilty.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, assuring residents that the officers involved are already in custody and undergoing investigation.
He stated that the command would ensure justice is served without bias, stressing that any officer found culpable would face dismissal and criminal prosecution.
“The affected officers are in custody, investigations are ongoing, and more arrests may follow. Those who deserve to be dismissed will be dismissed, while all those found culpable will be prosecuted,” Sanusi said.
The commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, noting that effective policing depends on strong collaboration between the police and members of the public.
Sanusi also highlighted recent successes recorded by the command, including the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier to kidnapping gangs operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, investigations into the July 8 kidnapping incident at Yellow House in Mpape led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to arrest Umaru, popularly known as “Danda,” a native of Zamfara State, at Gadabiu village in neighbouring Niger State on July 10.
Police alleged that the suspect served as a major supplier of hard drugs, logistics materials and other items used by the kidnapping syndicate.
Following his arrest, operatives raided three hideouts linked to the gang in Niger State, recovering 25 cards of 225mg tramadol, 30 cards of 100mg tramadol, suspected cocaine, cannabis tablets, dried cannabis leaves, two bottles containing 500 Embazol tablets each, a digital weighing scale, two ATM cards, two bags, two earpods, ₦250,000 cash and an AK-47 rifle.
The police also rescued a kidnapped victim in the Karshi area of the FCT, recovering a locally painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage clothing and assorted charms during the operation.
In another breakthrough, officers arrested four suspected car thieves identified as Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar for allegedly targeting Bolt and Uber drivers.
Investigators said the suspects posed as legitimate passengers by booking rides through e-hailing platforms before attacking drivers and stealing their vehicles and valuables.
Recovered from the suspects were an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 with registration number YAB 240 DL and a grey Honda Civic bearing registration number ABC 72 JP.
The command also paraded several suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping and “one chance” robberies. Those arrested include Orji Chibueze, 35; Chibuike Odo, 33; and Chibuikem Stanley, 36.
Police recovered several exhibits from the suspects, including a wig, screwdriver, scissors, knife, suspected cannabis, three mobile phones, a cap and a rope.
Sanusi further revealed that on July 19, officers attached to the Nyanya Division responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery at Area A, Nyanya.
Upon arrival, officers found five armed men attacking a resident, Mr Linus, after allegedly digging through the perimeter of his shop to gain access to his home.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on the responding officers, who returned fire, injuring two of the attackers and rescuing the victim.
A trail of blood later led officers to the arrest of 20-year-old Abdulrahman Ismail.
Recovered from the suspects’ hideout were bloodstained clothing, a toy gun, digging equipment, two machetes, a military belt, jewellery, a counterfeit ₦1,000 note, assorted charms, an MTN SIM card and identity documents.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Jamilu Yahaya, 25, for allegedly harbouring the suspects, while another suspect, Junaidu Usman, a chemist, was apprehended for allegedly treating one of the fleeing gang members, Danlami Abubakar, who remains at large.
Sanusi confirmed that all suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations are completed.
The commissioner also disclosed that the command had recovered five vehicles stolen within the FCT from various locations across the country, adding that while some have been returned to their owners, others are yet to be claimed.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Sanusi urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities.
“Security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something. The FCT will not be a safe haven for criminals,” he assured.
