The recent report detailing the arrest of seven police officers in Imo State for extortion and harassment at checkpoints should not be dismissed as a mere public relations stunt.
Instead, it is a testament to the genuine commitment of Commissioner of Police (CP) Aboki Danjuma towards fighting corruption within the police force and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
Having had multiple interactions with CP Aboki and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Henry Okoye, I can confidently attest to their unwavering dedication to fostering professional, transparent, accountable, and responsible policing. These are not individuals putting on a façade; they are truly committed to upholding the standards of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and protecting the public from the vices that have unfortunately come to define policing in many parts of the country.
My personal experience with CP Danjuma has only reinforced my belief in his resolve. Over time, I have brought several cases of police harassment and extortion to his attention, and each time, he has responded swiftly, ordering investigations and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable. In some instances, money that was extorted from citizens as a bribe has been recovered and returned to its rightful owners. Such actions are not only commendable but also show CP Aboki’s commitment to integrity and fairness within his command.
The recent arrest of the seven officers during a surprise checkpoint inspection on June 17, 2025, is a clear example of his ongoing efforts to ensure that bad apples within the force do not tarnish the image of the entire institution. According to the police spokesman, DSP Okoye, these officers were arrested during a statewide operational tour led by CP Aboki, covering major highways like the Owerri–Onitsha, Owerri–Port Harcourt, and Owerri–Umuahia roads. This tour was a direct response to numerous complaints from the public about police misconduct, particularly at checkpoints.
CP Aboki’s actions during the tour speak volumes about his approach to policing. He did not just inspect checkpoints, but engaged directly with officers, reminding them of the core principles of modern policing: discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights. This is not a man simply looking to create headlines; this is a leader who understands the long-term importance of rebuilding the trust between the police force and the public.
During the inspection, CP Aboki issued a stern warning: any officer found guilty of extortion or intimidation would face severe disciplinary action, including dismissal and possible prosecution. This level of accountability is exactly what the public needs to see from the police leadership if we are to overcome the longstanding issues of corruption that have plagued the force.
Moreover, CP Aboki has demonstrated transparency by holding open conversations with motorists and commuters, encouraging them not to offer bribes or surrender their phones for unauthorised searches. He also took the crucial step of distributing emergency contact numbers for the Command’s X-Squad and Complaint Response Unit (CRU), assuring the public that all reports would be handled with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality.
This initiative is a significant step towards building a police force grounded in justice, integrity, and public service. CP Aboki’s actions provide a model of professional policing, one that serves the people rather than exploiting them. He is actively working to cleanse the police system of corrupt elements, and his leadership deserves recognition.
As an advocate of law enforcement accountability, I continue to commend CP Aboki for his outstanding leadership. His actions not only restore confidence in the police force but also set a powerful example for other states to follow. The fight against corruption in law enforcement requires leaders who are not afraid to make tough decisions and hold their officers accountable, no matter the cost. CP Danjuma Aboki is one such leader, and his work in Imo State is proof that change is possible when there is genuine commitment to reform.
In conclusion, the recent arrest of the seven officers is not just a fleeting incident—it is part of a larger, sustained effort to professionalise the police force and restore its dignity. CP Aboki’s actions are a reminder that while there is still much work to be done in the fight against police misconduct, we are fortunate to have leaders like him at the helm, who are willing to take the hard but necessary steps to effect meaningful change.
CP Aboki, DSP Okoye, and the entire Imo State Police Command have set a high standard for policing in Nigeria, and it is my hope that their example will inspire more leaders within the force to follow suit.
Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma is a human rights activist and also the Executive Director, RULAAC
