Liberty Isaac Kelechi,
By Victory Oghene
A Nigerian man, Liberty Isaac Kelechi, has narrated how some policemen stopped his car, searched and forcefully collected his phone after which a sum of N3million was extorted from him at gunpoint.
Kelechi alleged that on August 26, 2024, five policemen on duty at a checkpoint seized their phone and compelled him to transfer N3 million to them in two separate accounts, operated by a virtual bank, moniepoint.
He further alleged that the law enforcement officers threatened to kill them he refused to transfer the said money.
He said “My name is Comrade Liberty Isaac Kelechi, I and my two friends were coming from Ughelli, heading to Owerri, Imo State. Shortly after Patani, somewhere in Odi, Bayelsa State, the police stopped us at a checkpoint. They searched the car, checked the vehicle documents and everything was okay.They collected the phones of my two friends and also demanded for my phone. I told them that we have passed this stage and besides the Inspector General of Police has said that no policeman should check a citizen’s phone. They started beating me and insisted on checking my phone. I told them I will give them my phone if they take me to the police station. They continue beating me. I was handcuffed and tortured. They saw an alert from UBA of N10.7million on my phone and demanded for N6million. So I told them that money is for my younger brother’s project. I told them that I have N3million in my FCMB and will part with N500,000 but they continue to beat me. I had to succumb to save my life. At the end I traansfered N3million to two accounts that were provided by them before they released us”
Kelechi demanded for justice and his money.
Meanwhile, the police say the extorted N3million had been recovered and also confirmed the arrest of one of the officers who brutalised and extorted N3million from Kelechi.
The Spokesperson for the police Zone 16 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena, confirmed to mewsmen on Saturday that “the team leader has been arrested and the money had been recovered and he has been sent to Abuja for further action.”
He added, “He’s in Abuja for trial, dismissal and charging to court. We the Nigerian police, we’re the only organisation that disciplines our own. As I talk to you he’s in Abuja; he has been moved to Abuja since Wednesday.”
See video below
