A group of Nigerian police officers has been accused of unlawfully detaining a fish farmer, Emmanuel Pete, and extorting ₦1.2 million from him after allegedly invading his Abuja residence without a warrant.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 16, 2025, was made public by human rights advocate @HarrisonBbi18 via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
According to Harrison, the officers, said to be attached to AIG Zone 7, forcefully entered Pete’s home, conducted a search that yielded nothing incriminating, and proceeded to detain him. Despite no evidence of wrongdoing, Pete was allegedly threatened and coerced into transferring ₦1,210,000 to an account provided by the officers. He was released after the payment was confirmed.
Harrison further claimed the victim was warned against speaking out and now lives in fear for his safety. He urged the Nigeria Police Force to launch an investigation, describing the officers’ conduct as a disgrace to the institution and a green light for abuse of power under the cloak of law enforcement.
The report sparked outrage online, with many users condemning the alleged abuse and calling for accountability:
@IamOgbeche: “That Zone 7 makes not less than 60 million naira every day. If I’m lying, let an undercover journalist investigate.”
@Nithsmit: “Some members of the Nigerian police are the ones doing kidnappings in Nigeria.”
@stronGobedient: “Broad day robbery by police is getting high. With guns meant to protect citizens, they’re now acting as criminals.”
@unorthodox_247: “This is plain armed robbery. It’s becoming a daily occurrence.”
@AbuOkaa: “There are no consequences for their actions, and that’s why this theft continues unchecked.”
As public demand for answers grows, attention now turns to police authorities for a formal response and possible disciplinary action.
