Task-force arrests two police officers, seven hoodlums for extorting money in Plateau
National Implementation Committee on the curtailment of cattle rustling and special squad on curbing multiple taxation on Nigeria highway, has arrested two police officers and seven hoodlums in Kuru, Plateau state for extortion of money from commercial drivers on the highway.
Desk Officer of the Committee, North Central Zone, Superintendent of Police Yahaya Usman, who confirmed the arrest on Monday during the stakeholders meeting of Nigeria Association of Agricultural Product Dealers of the state, said any police officer found extorting money from the public will be arrested.
He said the police officers, who were arrested on Saturday, have been transferred to Force Headquarters Abuja, for investigation and appropriate sanctions to deter others from indulging in such fraudulent activities.
Usman, who represented the Inspector General of Police at the meeting, said constant harassment and multiple taxation on commercial drivers who convey agricultural product from one part of the country to another has led to hike in price of foodstuff.
“Police officers and seven hoodlums were arrested in Jos for harassment and extortion of money from commercial drivers who carry agricultural product from one point to another. They were taking to Abuja for appropriate action.
“The Inspector General of Police is a man of action and any police officer found on the highway, aiding fraudulent activities against the public would be arrested and sanction. I know that a lot of erring police officers have been sacked from work and anyone who encourages multiple taxation on farmers will be equally sanction.”
North Central Coordinator of the association, Dr. Jonah Ogbaji, lamented over multiple taxes and levies, intimidation and harassment of members and destruction, stealing of goods and maltreatment of drivers on the highway by hoodlums aided by security personnel.
He noted that activities such as multiple taxes and levies, unnecessary harassment of traders on the highway among others have hike the price of agricultural products in the country.
However, when Daily Times contacted the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Mr. Tyopev Terna, he said he is yet to receive any information that two police officers were arrested for any offense.
