DSP, FCID officers in trouble for extorting N20m worth of Bitcon

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Nwawe Cordelia, and other officers serving at the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos are in trouble over extortion of N20 million worth of Bitcoin from some citizens in Lagos State.

The officers are being probed for professional misconduct, abuse of office and extortion.

Morakinyo Tobiloba Peter and Yusuf Samson Dayo were extorted of N20 million worth of Bitcon at gunpoint on July 14, 2021 while driving along the Ikoyi/Ajah Expressway, Lagos State.

A Special Investigation Panel was empanelled by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to carry out a discreet and transparent investigation into the allegation.

DSP Cordelia and the other Police personnel allegedly indicted in the report have been ordered to report to the Special Investigation Panel, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 21st December, 2021 to answer to the allegations against them.

CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, on Monday said the development has become imperative following the report making the rounds in the media alleging the involvement of the officers in the extortion.

The Special Investigation Panel is headed by DCP Olaolu Adegbite of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB).

DCP Adegbite, a member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR), was a pioneer investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where he rose to be Director of Operations (2012-2015). An experienced and detailed investigator, he is expected to bring his vast knowledge in investigating corruption-related cases to bear in resolving this case.

The Force called on members of the public who have had similar experiences of high-handedness or extortion by the officers in question, her team or any other officer at the FCID Alagbon to come forward with detailed information to enable the panel achieve a wholistic investigation.

“It is vital to state that the alleged actions of the Police Officers in question do not represent the standards and practices of the Nigeria Police Force and as such any officer found wanting will be visited with the full wrath of the law. “Members of the public are enjoined to remain calm as the Force will provide timely updates and make the outcome of the investigation public,” Mba said.