In a shocking turn of events, the head of Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, has revealed how he was targeted by four rogue traffic officers who attempted to extort money from him. The officers, who set up an unauthorized checkpoint in the capital city of Abuja, stopped Aliyu while he was driving and demanded that he pay a fine of 53,000 naira (£45, $38). According to Aliyu, the officers asked him to withdraw the money from a cash machine after he refused to hand over his driver's license. The incident prompted Aliyu to report the matter to the police, which led to an 'intelligence-driven operation' that resulted in the arrest of the alleged ringleader and three other suspects.
'You have to choose: either a policeman or a thief,' said Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi, condemning the officers' alleged conduct. 'You cannot be both. If you fail to choose, your actions will determine where you belong.' The four officers are now facing internal police disciplinary procedures, which could lead to their dismissal. The case highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption in Nigeria, where bribery and extortion are rampant. The swift action taken by the police commissioner demonstrates a commitment to rooting out corruption within the force and sends a strong message to those who would abuse their power for personal gain.