The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested four police officers accused of extorting ₦53,000 from Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN) during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

The arrests were announced on Monday by FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi, who said the officers had abandoned their assigned duty posts to set up an illegal checkpoint around the Banex area of Wuse, where they allegedly targeted motorists.

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According to the police, the ICPC Chairman Extortion Case unfolded when the officers stopped Aliyu without knowing his identity and allegedly forced him to withdraw ₦53,000 through a Point of Sale operator, including payment of the transaction charges.

“They extorted him of ₦53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves,” Sanusi said.

The commissioner described the suspects as “a gang of criminals” who left different police divisions to carry out the illegal operation.

Sanusi said investigators traced the officers after declaring them wanted, with the arrest of the alleged gang leader leading to the detention of the remaining members of the group.

“We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed,” he said.

The development comes as the Nigeria Police Force continues efforts to tackle misconduct and corruption within its ranks.

Sanusi also reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police prohibiting officers from conducting indiscriminate searches of citizens’ mobile phones during patrols.

“You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines,” he said.

The police commissioner urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to report cases of extortion and other forms of misconduct, assuring the public that officers found violating regulations would face disciplinary measures.

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The case adds to ongoing efforts by the police leadership to improve accountability and restore public confidence through stricter enforcement of professional standards.