In a blatant display of abuse of power that's all too common in Nigeria, two hardworking farmers from Ondo State were unlawfully arrested, dragged across the country, and extorted of their hard-earned money by officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja. But in a rare twist of justice, the IRT commander stepped in, querying the rogue officers and ordering the victims' immediate release. This story highlights the ongoing plague of police misconduct in our nation – and it's time we make some noise about it!
The Harrowing Ordeal Begins in Ondo
Felix Fasehun and Oyewole Oladipupo, simple farmers from the Okeigbo community in Ondo State, were going about their daily lives when IRT operatives from Abuja swooped in. The arrest? Based on trumped-up allegations tied to a civil dispute that's already being handled by a High Court in Ondo State.
Instead of respecting the ongoing litigation, these officers treated it like a criminal matter, handcuffing the men and bundling them into a Hummer bus for a grueling 12-hour journey to the Federal Capital Territory.
This wasn't just an arrest – it was an abduction. The matter had been reported to local police in Ondo, who recognized it as a civil issue. Yet, the IRT decided to escalate it, raising serious questions about "forum shopping" – where parties manipulate jurisdictions to their advantage. Human rights advocates are calling this out for what it is: a dangerous criminalization of civil disputes.
Extortion on the Road: N300,000 Vanishes
As if the illegal detention wasn't enough, things got worse during transit. When the group stopped in the Kabba area, the officers allegedly forced the farmers to transfer N300,000 from their bank accounts in two separate installments. The victims claim the cops warned them sternly: "Be guided," and reminded them that the officers knew exactly where they lived – a chilling threat to keep quiet.
Imagine being a farmer, barely scraping by, and watching your savings disappear because of those meant to protect you. The officers denied everything when confronted, but the damage was done. This isn't an isolated incident; similar stories of police extortion have plagued Nigeria for years, eroding public trust in the force.
The Commander's Fury and Swift Justice
Enter Prof Muhammad Sanusi Ahmed, the head of the IRT section in Abuja. Upon reviewing the case file and hearing from the victims, he wasn't having any of it. Sources say he expressed deep displeasure over the allegations of torture, extortion, and abuse of office. He made it crystal clear: Any officer found guilty would face severe disciplinary action. But he didn't stop there – he also warned that if the complainants were found to have provided false info, they'd face consequences too.
In a move that's being praised as a step in the right direction, the commander ordered the farmers' immediate release without any further payments. "No money should be paid to secure freedom," he insisted. Though administrative delays from ongoing elections in Abuja slowed things down, the order held firm. Felix and Oyewole were finally set free and made it back to their village in Ondo early Sunday morning.
A Joyful Homecoming Amid Calls for Reform
The community erupted in celebration upon their return. Residents slaughtered goats in a traditional show of relief and joy, welcoming back their own after days of uncertainty. It's a heartwarming end to a nightmare, but it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
Now, police authorities are reviewing the entire saga – from the arrest to the alleged extortion – to decide on disciplinary measures. Human rights groups and legal experts are demanding an independent inquiry to enforce directives that prevent police from meddling in civil matters. This case aligns with earlier findings by local Ondo police, who had already deemed it non-criminal.
Why This Matters – And How We Can Make It Trend
Stories like this expose the rot in our system: Rogue officers turning protectors into predators, especially against vulnerable rural folks. But change starts with awareness. The IRT commander's intervention shows that accountability is possible when leaders step up. Yet, without systemic reform, how many more Felixes and Oyewoles will suffer?
If this infuriates you as much as it does me, let's amplify it! Share this post far and wide. Tag your friends, repost on X, Instagram, and everywhere else. Use these hashtags to get it trending: #EndPoliceExtortion #NigeriaPoliceReform #JusticeForOndoFarmers #StopPoliceAbuse #SaharaReportersExposed
Together, we can pressure for real change – because every Nigerian deserves justice, not extortion. What's your take? Drop a comment below!
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