Motorists and residents of Ogun State have accused the police in the state of extorting members of the public during a special stop-and-search operation under the pretext of searching for the government’s money carted away by armed robbers.
The police began to mount roadblocks in different parts of the state since a five-man robbery gang shot dead a Director of Finance in the governor’s office, Taiwo Oyekanmi, and went away with an undisclosed amount of money.
Since the dastardly act, Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered the police to smoke out the hoodlums.
In compliance with the governor’s directive, police officers started mounting roadblocks in different parts of the state.
Oyekanmi was murdered in Abeokuta on November 29 by his assailants and roadblocks surfaced the following week.
Motorists have, however, accused the police officers of forcefully collecting money from them under the guise of keeping the highway safe from criminals.
Multiple sources in government told DAILY POST that the money stolen was N112 million and was withdrawn from the branches of Fidelity and Sterling banks in Abeokuta.
The hooded gunmen reportedly opened fire on the finance director, who led a bullion van while ascending the overhead bridge at the popular Kuto market in Abeokuta.
Despite the roadblocks, three weeks after the death of Oyekanmi, the police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the robbery incident.
DAILY POST correspondent travelled from Abeokuta to Ijebu Ode on December 16, a less than 90-kilometre distance, and counted 16 checkpoints of policemen who were armed to their teeth.
A commercial driver, Raheem Adelani, told DAILY POST he spent N1,500 in one day, accusing the police of using the roadblocks to extort money from motorists.
“This is another daylight robbery. Let these people (police officers) leave the road. They can arrest the robbers without staying here. No armed robber will come here when they see the police. These people have been extorting money from us in the name of providing security and searching for the robbers. This is funny; if you don’t give them money, they will delay you and passengers will complain,” he lamented.
Another motorist, Kayode Ajisafe, said the roadblocks have been causing traffic jams and delays for the drivers.
He called on the police to reduce the checkpoints to allow for free vehicular movement.
Contacted over the phone, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, said the checkpoints are meant to keep the highway safe for people travelling during the festive period.
Alamutu said: “Avail anybody that comes up with such a complaint my number; all they need to do is identify the points and reach out to me because they (police officers) are there for crime prevention, not extortion. I have told them in clear language that I must not receive such a report.
“The checkpoints will be there at least till the end of the year. You know Christmas and the New Year’s festive period are always very challenging. The checkpoints are meant to forestall the commission of crime, not for extortion. They (police officers) should not inconvenience road users. If you see or hear such a complaint, just call me.”
