The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced orderly room trial against four police officers accused of allegedly extorting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), during an illegal traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.
The disciplinary action was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, following the officers' arrest over the incident, which has attracted widespread public attention.
According to the FCT Police Command, the officers allegedly abandoned their official duty posts before setting up an unauthorised checkpoint where they carried out illegal stop-and-search operations.
During the operation, the officers reportedly stopped a motorist who was later identified as the ICPC chairman without initially recognising his identity.
Police authorities alleged that the officers compelled Dr. Aliyu to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale (PoS) terminal before collecting the money and allegedly sharing it among themselves.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Commissioner Sanusi strongly condemned the officers' conduct, describing their actions as a serious violation of police ethics and professional standards.
The police chief stated that personnel who engage in criminal conduct have no place in the Nigeria Police Force and assured the public that the command would not shield any officer found guilty of misconduct.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the officers are currently undergoing orderly room trial for abandoning their lawful assignments, conducting unauthorised traffic enforcement and engaging in the alleged extortion.
She explained that disciplinary procedures commenced immediately after the complaint was received and the officers were taken into custody on the directive of the Commissioner of Police.
Police authorities noted that the internal trial will determine the appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the Nigeria Police Force's regulations and code of conduct.
The command indicated that if the allegations are established during the proceedings, the officers could face dismissal from the police force in addition to any other sanctions prescribed under existing regulations.
Commissioner Sanusi also used the opportunity to reiterate the command's ban on illegal stop-and-search operations and unauthorised traffic enforcement by police personnel across the Federal Capital Territory.
He warned officers against mounting illegal checkpoints or conducting random searches that violate the rights of citizens, stressing that such practices damage public confidence in law enforcement.
The incident has renewed national conversations about police accountability and the need to eliminate extortion and abuse of power within the country's security agencies.
Observers have commended the swift response of the FCT Police Command, noting that prompt disciplinary action sends a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated regardless of the victim's identity.
The ICPC chairman's experience has also highlighted concerns that many ordinary Nigerians may be exposed to similar illegal practices during routine encounters with security personnel.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability while encouraging members of the public to report any form of police misconduct through established complaint channels.
Authorities expressed confidence that enforcing discipline within the force will strengthen public trust and improve service delivery as efforts continue to reform policing and uphold the rule of law across the Federal Capital Territory.