IGP Orders Probe of N22m Bitcoin Extortion by Police Officers

The police high command yesterday ordered investigation into an alleged professional misconduct, abuse of office, and extortion of N22 million worth of Bitcoin from some citizens in Lagos State, levelled against a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nwawe Cordelia, and others serving at the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon, in Lagos State.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba, ordered the setting up of a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to carry out a discreet and transparent investigation into the allegation.

A statement issued by the Force Headquarters said the development became imperative following a report making the rounds in the media about the involvement of the officers in the extortion of N22 million worth of Bitcoin from two young Nigerians, Morakinyo Tobiloba Peter and Yusuf Samson Dayo, at gunpoint on July 14 while they drove along the Ikoyi/Ajah Expressway.

Cordelia and the other police personnel indicted in the report were ordered to report to the Special Investigation Panel, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, December 21 to answer to the allegations against them.

The statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, said the Special Investigation Panel was headed by DCP Olaolu Adegbite of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB).

According to the statement, Adegbite holds a Master’s Degree in Philology (Russian Language) from the Pushkin Institute, Moscow, Russia, and he is an alumnus of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia, USA. 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 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 statement said.

It added, “The Force advices any member of the public who has 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 holistic 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.”