From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has condemned the alleged harassment and extortion by some officers attached to the Etung Divisional Headquarters in Etung Local Government Area of the state.
The command reacted to a viral video circulating on social media in which an influencer, identified as Mc Okrika, alleged that two individuals, Israel Nwafor and Abraham Friday, were harassed and extorted at a checkpoint near the Etung Divisional Headquarters on May 13, 2026, allegedly involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and some of his personnel.
According to the command, “The Cross River State Police Command has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media by one influencer known as Mc Okrika, alleging harassment and extortion of two individuals, namely Israel Nwafor and Abraham Friday, which occurred at a checkpoint close to the Etung Divisional Headquarters on May 13, 2026, by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and some of his personnel.”
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid B. Afegbua, upon being briefed on the allegations, expressed concern over the incident and ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.
The command stated that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in line with the extant disciplinary procedures of the Force.
The commissioner of police also directed that the affected individuals be invited to the command headquarters to provide firsthand information to aid a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The statement further noted that Etung Local Government Area is a strategic border community adjoining the Republic of Cameroon, thereby requiring heightened security measures to curb cross-border crimes, illegal movements, and activities of armed foreign groups, including Ambazonian separatists.
The command, however, stressed that allegations of harassment, extortion, or any form of unprofessional conduct against police personnel are taken seriously and assured members of the public that due process would be followed in handling the matter.
The Cross River State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of lives and property across the state.