Alleged extortion: FCT police commissioner orders investigation

FCT Command Police Commissioner CP Ahmed Sanusi has ordered the probe into alleged extortion during a stop and search operation following a viral video.

A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, reads: “The FCT Police Command is aware of a video circulating on social media, posted by a user identified as VJADEDIM, alleging that an FCT resident was subjected to extortion by FCT Police officers during stop and search operations.

“From examining the receipt posted on the users page, the receipt dates back to May 19, 2025. This shows that this incident did not occur during the current administration. And it made it appear malicious and intentionally worded to discredit the command’s efforts, which is unacceptable.

“The Command wishes to emphasize that the alleged incident dates back to May 2025 and did not occur under the current administration. The Command notes with concern the omission of this important timeline in the circulating narrative, which raises questions about the intent behind the publication which appears to be aimed at discrediting the current administration. However, the Command remains committed to establishing the facts of the matter,” the statement read in part.

He noted that preliminary investigations ordered by CP Sanusi revealed that the officer lost his official identification card before the date indicated in the video and produced the necessary documentation regarding the loss.

“This claim is being investigated as part of the ongoing investigation.

“The Command distances itself from all acts of unprofessionalism, extortion and misconduct by police personnel. Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, has ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations to establish the facts of the incident and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on the findings.

“In this regard, the Command invites all persons involved in the incident to report to the FCT Police Command Headquarters on Monday 26 October 2026, at 11:00 am, to provide official statements and relevant information that will assist the investigation.

“The Command urges residents of the FCT to promptly report any incident of police misconduct with accurate date, time and location through the Complaints Response Unit of the Command via 08107314192,” he added.