Kwara residents groan under police harassment, extortion despite CP’s warning

Residents of Kwara State have continued to lament harassment and extortion by some police officers in the state.

Although the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Tuesday Assayomo, recently warned officers to stop the harassment, the trend has continued.

A victim who spoke with our correspondent said some officers around Unity Road, Ilorin penultimate week, stopped him in his Toyota Camry car as if he was an armed robber.

Another victim and a tricycle operator narrated his ordeal to our reporter in the hands of the officers.

“Last week, while I was driving home in the night around NNPC area, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, I just saw a rickety bus double crossed in front of me. Initially, I thought they were kidnappers. Two of them came to join me inside the tricycle and led me to Adewole Police station.

“It was the next day that my family knew about my whereabouts and were made to cough out N10,000. Up till now, I don’t know my offence.

“Others that were arrested inside the bus were made to withdrew money to bail themselves,” the victim added.

Also around Mandate area recently, our reporter witnessed some police officers who raided some residents that were later released after they were driven round the area for some minutes and made to part with some amounts of money.

When contacted, the police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, said the command will investigate the issue.

“Although we have not had any report of such, we will investigate and get to the root of the matter if such exist and we will get back to you,” Okasanmi added.