IG Orders Probe Into Alleged N62Million Extortion By Enugu Anti-Kidnapping Squad

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has escalated a petition against the Enugu State Police Command’s anti-kidnapping unit to the X-Squad officer of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) for an expeditious and comprehensive inquiry.

The petition accuses the unit of the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Olu Agwu and seeks the restitution of N60 million, allegedly extorted from him under coercive circumstances.

Recently, SaharaReporters exposed how Agwu claimed he was compelled to transfer N62 million into multiple accounts associated with senior police officers, ostensibly to mask the transactions.

He contended that this was indicative of a troubling pattern where prominent individuals are wrongfully branded as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to extort funds from them.

Although the Enugu State Police Command refuted the accusations in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, SaharaReporters presented further evidence implicating former Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu in the affair. Uzuegbu was recently elevated to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

In light of these revelations, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome petitioned IGP Egbetokun, insisting on the immediate reimbursement of the N62 million purportedly extorted from Agwu by officers of the Anti-Kidnap Squad, Enugu State Police Command, amid his alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

Dated February 14, Ozekhome’s petition implored the IGP to act promptly, cautioning that inaction would precipitate further legal measures to uphold Agwu’s rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Ozekhome’s petition reiterated claims that Agwu was coerced into transferring N62 million into multiple accounts overseen by senior police officers to avoid being wrongfully labeled as an IPOB or ESN affiliate.

SaharaReporters learned on Tuesday that the IGP has sanctioned an urgent intervention and investigation into the incident.

“Good afternoon, kindly note that your petition to the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Police Force Titled: ‘Petition against the state anti-kidnapping squad, Enugu state police command for the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Olu Agwu and a demand for the refund of the sum of sixty million naira extorted from him under duress’; has been approved for urgent intervention/ investigation.

“To this you are requested to report to X-Squad Officer, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Room 202 as soon as possible together with your client for adoption of petition and provision of clarity/ evidence on the allegation. … There is a timeline on conclusion of investigation so to this, your swift response will be appreciated. Regards,” a message shared with SaharaReporters read.

Additionally, in a letter dated February 25 and addressed to the Chief Counsel and Head of Chambers at Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers, CP Johnson O. Adenola, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, confirmed that the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, to investigate the complaint.

With reference number CB:7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.790/111, the letter was titled: “Re: Petition Against The State ANTI Kidnapping Squad, Enugu State Police Command For The Unlawful Arrest And Detention Of One Mr Olu.”

The letter partly read: “I present the warm courtesy of the Inspector-General of Police and acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 14th February, 2025 on the above underlined subject.

“I am to respectfully inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department to investigate your complaint.”

“Accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Inspector-General of Police, please,” it added.