The Nigerian Police Force has confirmed that the officers involved in the alleged extortion of N3 million from a man in Bayelsa State have been arrested and will be brought to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The man, Liberty Isaac Kelechi, claims he was tortured by officers at a checkpoint near Ujji on August 26.

Kelechi, a resident of Imo State, was travelling with two friends when they were stopped by police.

Despite having their papers in order, they were ordered out of the vehicle and across the road. The officers then demanded their phones.

While Kelechi’s friends complied, he refused, citing the directive from the Inspector General of Police that prohibits officers from seizing or searching citizens’ phones without proper investigation at a police station. His refusal led to a brutal assault and severe torture.

The officers allegedly beat him, handcuffed him, and fired shots into the air while threatening to kill him and his friends. Kelechi eventually handed over his phone, fearing for his life.

During the search, an officer discovered a N10,017,000 bank balance in Kelechi’s UBA account. He was then bundled into the police van while his friends were driven away in their car.

The ordeal continued with repeated beatings and threats of death unless Kelechi transferred N6 million to the officers.

He eventually agreed to send N3 million in two separate transfers.

Once the transactions were completed, Kelechi and his friends were released.

He has since filed an official complaint against the officers but reports no action has been taken.

“I want justice. I want my money back, and I want these officers held accountable so that this doesn’t happen to another citizen,” Kelechi said.