The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, has ordered the arrest and trial of some officers of the state command accused of extorting N200,000 from a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
Ojo, who spoke to journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, described the conduct of the implicated personnel as “embarrassing and unacceptable,” assuring that decisive action would be taken.
The victim, identified as Taiwo Kayode Taye, was reportedly travelling in a commercial vehicle to Osogbo when operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit stopped the vehicle at Erin-Ile. The officers allegedly demanded that he unlock his mobile phone, a request he declined.
According to eyewitness accounts, the refusal led to his forceful removal from the vehicle and subsequent detention at the Ijagbo Police Division. Despite pressure, the student reportedly maintained his stance, prompting the officers to transfer the matter to the state command headquarters in Ilorin.
A police source disclosed that it was at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that Taye was allegedly compelled to unlock his phone and transfer N200,000 to an account bearing the name Lucy Akor.
The incident, once reported on social media, triggered outrage among students of the institution, who have since demanded justice.
Reacting, CP Ojo confirmed the development and directed that the officers be arrested immediately, stressing that they would face disciplinary measures in line with police regulations.
“I am deeply embarrassed by the actions of the officers. Such conduct is intolerable, and I assure the public that justice will be served,” Ojo said.
The development has intensified calls for police accountability in Kwara State, with many residents urging the command to follow through with the promised disciplinary action.
