Three police officers attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command have been arrested over alleged extortion, abuse of police powers and other misconduct affecting more than 200 people.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Umuahia.
Emeka said seven officers were being investigated, with three already arrested and four others still being sought. The arrested officers are an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Corporal.
According to him, the officers allegedly operated across about nine local government areas, including Aba, Obingwa, Ukwa East and Ukwa West.
The AIG said the officers allegedly targeted patent medicine dealers and maternity-home operators, carrying out purported sting operations during which drugs, cash and other valuables were seized.
He said the activities had reportedly continued for more than a year before complaints from an affected community prompted an investigation.
Investigators have reportedly recovered pharmaceutical products allegedly seized from victims, as well as a bus and security-crest jackets linked to the suspects.
Some alleged victims accused the officers of using their positions to intimidate and extort them, while one of the suspects denied the allegations.
Emeka said the investigation would be thorough and that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary and legal action.
He warned that the police would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the force or bringing the uniform into disrepute.
