The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over alleged extortion, unlawful detention and threats by officers of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Zone 16.
In a petition dated January 23, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said it was acting on behalf of Mr Christopher Precious John, who it described as a victim of “extortion, abuse of authority and continued intimidation” by officers of the ZCID.
According to the petition, MMrJohn was invited to the Zonal CID on Friday, January 16, 2026, following a petition by one Golden Itelima, who accused him of obtaining money under false pretence and issuing threats of violence.
RULAAC stated that its client explained to the police that the transaction in question was strictly related to participation in Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), a crypto investment platform linked to Jesam Michael, and not a job placement or employment scheme.
“Our client explained that the transaction was an investment arrangement and requested time to obtain his bank statements to properly respond to the allegations, which was granted,” RULAAC said.
The organisation further disclosed that on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., Mr John honoured the invitation and met with the Investigating Police Officer, identified as Inspector Kingsley. Upon examination of the petition, RULAAC said it became evident that the complainant allegedly made false claims that he paid ₦900,000 for employment.
“Our client submitted his bank statement showing that the total sum received was ₦1.1 million, paid in instalments between April 26 and May 24, 2023,” the petition read. “He also provided documentary chat evidence confirming that the funds were investment contributions to the AAS platform, not payments for employment.”
Despite these submissions and the presence of MrMrohn’s legal counsel, RULAAC alleged that the officers refused to invite the complainant for clarification. Instead, the organisation claimed that its client was informed that a detention order had been signed and was asked to pay ₦300,000 to secure bail.
“When our client refused to pay, his mobile phones were seized, and he was forcibly detained,” RULAAC stated. It added that after more than an hour in detention, the officers allegedly reduced the demand to ₦100,000, which MrMrohn was “compelled to pay under duress” through his lawyer at about 6:30 p.m.
RULAAC said evidence of the alleged extortion, including debit alerts and POS transaction records, was available.
The organisation further alleged that following his release, Mr John continued to face harassment and intimidation from the same officers, who insisted that he return to Bayelsa, claiming that “the AIG wants to see him.”
According to RULAAC, when its client reported the matter to the Force Monitoring Unit and requested a refund of the money allegedly extorted, he was threatened with arrest at his residence if he failed to return to the station.
RULAAC expressed deep concern over what it described as the criminalisation of a civil and commercial dispute, the use of detention as a tool for extortion in violation of the Police Act 2020 and constitutional safeguards, the alleged collection of ₦100,000, which it described as gross misconduct and corruption, and the continued threats against its client.
The organisation called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, particularly the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Kingsley. It also demanded a refund of the ₦100,000 allegedly extorted from MMrJohn, protection for him from further harassment or unlawful arrest, and appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable.
“Our client is willing to cooperate fully with any lawful and transparent investigation,” RULAAC said, adding that it was ready to provide supporting documents, including bank statements, chat records and debit alerts.
RULAAC said it trusted in the AIG’s “commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law.”
