A wave of public outrage has trailed fresh allegations of extortion against officers attached to the Old GRA Police Division in Port Harcourt after viral social media posts and video footage accused them of intimidating motorists and demanding illegal payments during enforcement of tinted glass regulations.
The controversy gained traction after a user identified as Comrade Phils posted detailed allegations on X, claiming that officers stationed near the Old GRA Police Station, close to the Rivers State Government House, were targeting motorists with factory-fitted tinted windows despite valid permits.
According to the post, affected motorists were allegedly told that a state ban on tinted vehicles was in effect, with officers reportedly using the claim to justify arrests and enforcement actions.
The allegations further stated that drivers were threatened with vehicle detention unless they paid sums reportedly starting from N100,000.
It was also claimed that payments were not accepted via transfer, with motorists instead allegedly directed to a nearby Point-of-Sale (POS) operator to withdraw cash.
The post also alleged that senior police authorities, including the Divisional Police Officer of Old GRA and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, were aware of the operations. These claims remain unverified.
The situation escalated further when another X user, Paul Ashiekaa, shared additional posts and video footage tagged to the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit and senior police officials.
The user called on authorities to investigate the officers involved, writing: “Kindly find attached your men of the Old GRA Division Port Harcourt doing what they know how to do best,” while sarcastically suggesting they deserved recognition from the Inspector-General of Police.
Public reaction has continued to grow, with many users calling for accountability and reform in the enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly around tinted glass permits, which have long been a source of tension between motorists and law enforcement.
As pressure mounted online, the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that an investigation had been launched.
“Your complaint is hereby acknowledged and investigation has been initiated. Your tracking number is #CRU624455. Thank you for contacting NPF-CRU,” the unit stated in its response on X.
The Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the specific allegations as public scrutiny intensifies.
The matter is now under internal police investigation as authorities review the allegations and accompanying online evidence.
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Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
