Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has ordered an investigation into an allegation that officers demanded N450,000 from a complainant before taking action on his petition, asking the content creator who raised the claim to provide evidence that could help identify those involved.
The allegation surfaced in a circulating video in which content creator Tumma Gabriel claimed that investigators at the FCT Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department demanded N450,000 as “mobilisation and petition” costs before proceeding with his complaint.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed on Thursday that the police were aware of the video and that Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi had directed a full investigation into the allegation.
Adeh stressed that soliciting money from complainants for investigations was not authorised by the command. “The Command wishes to state clearly that it does not mandate or encourage its officers to solicit or demand any form of remuneration before, during, or after investigations,” she said.
The police said the investigation would establish what happened and determine whether any officer was involved in misconduct. “Any person found liable will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act and Regulations,” Adeh stated.
The command also appealed to Gabriel to assist the investigation by contacting it on 08180382808 and appearing at the police headquarters with any information or evidence that could help identify the officers allegedly involved.
The invitation is intended to enable investigators to establish the facts surrounding the allegation and determine whether disciplinary or other action is warranted.
The police position comes amid recurring concerns over alleged unofficial payments demanded from members of the public seeking police services.
For now, the N450,000 demand remains an allegation under investigation, and no officer has been established as responsible.
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