Four police officers in Kwara State have been arrested over allegations of extorting a student from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
The officers, attached to the anti-cultism unit, are being held at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Ilorin after the state’s Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, ordered an investigation into the matter.
The arrest followed claims that the officers forced the student, identified as Taiwo Kayode Taye, to pay ₦200,000 after he declined to unlock his mobile phone. The incident reportedly took place in Erin-Ile, Kwara State, while Taiwo was on his way to Osogbo, Osun State.
Drivetvnews gathered that he was first taken to the Ijagbo Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ilorin. There, the officers allegedly compelled him to unlock his phone and coerced him into transferring ₦200,000 to an account registered to one Lucy Akor.
The case has stirred public outrage, with calls for disciplinary action against the culprits.
Confirming the development on Thursday evening, CP Ojo said the suspects are in custody and the matter is being treated with the highest level of seriousness.
“The officers have been arrested and taken into custody. We are investigating the case thoroughly to ensure justice is served,” he stated, describing their conduct as unethical and unacceptable for law enforcement officers.