Nigerian Police IRT Abuja Release Two Ondo Residents After Extortion Of N300,000 As Commander Queries Officers
Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja have released two farmers from Ondo State following days of detention over what sources described as a civil dispute already pending before a state High Court.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the farmers — identified as Felix Fasehun and Oyewole Oladipupo — were arrested in Ondo town and transported to Abuja over allegations later described by police sources as civil in nature.
Arrest and Allegations
Sources familiar with the case said IRT operatives moved into the Okeigbo community in Ondo State and took the two men into custody before conveying them to the Federal Capital Territory on a 12-hour road trip.
The matter had reportedly been handled earlier by local police formations in Ondo and was already subject to litigation before a High Court.
During transit, the farmers allegedly accused officers of withdrawing ₦300,000 from their bank accounts in two instalments. They further claimed they were warned not to disclose the transaction.
When the allegations were presented to the IRT section head, Prof. Muhammad Sanusi Ahmed, the officers involved reportedly denied any wrongdoing.
Commander Orders Release
A senior police source said the IRT commander expressed concern over the allegations and warned that any officer found culpable of misconduct — including extortion or abuse of office — would face disciplinary action. He also cautioned that individuals found to have supplied false information would be held accountable.
According to sources, the commander directed that no money be demanded from the detainees and ordered their immediate release after reviewing the case file and listening to their account.
Although administrative delays related to election activities in Abuja reportedly slowed their departure, the release directive remained in effect.
The two men returned to their community in Ondo State early Sunday, where residents reportedly welcomed them with celebrations.
Concerns Over Jurisdiction
The case has sparked discussions within policing circles about jurisdiction and operational discipline, particularly regarding the transfer of suspects to Abuja in matters considered civil and already before the courts — a practice sometimes described as “forum shopping.”
Human rights advocates and legal practitioners have called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved and for stricter adherence to directives discouraging police intervention in civil land disputes under judicial consideration.
Police authorities are said to be reviewing the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, and alleged financial transactions to determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted.