News
Rivers Policemen Abducted Man, Extorted N1m Via POS, Activist Reveals
Point-of-Sale agent, Uzoma Godswill, was abducted by some men armed with AK-47 rifles who were later identified as police officers along Eleme Road, Rivers State.
Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, disclosed this in a video posted on X.com yesterday.
He tweeted, “They arrested him around Port Harcourt/Owerri Road and took him to Port Harcourt/Warri Road where they took his ATM card and PIN and withdrew the sum of N1m and N20,000 PoS charge.
“The PoS agent confirmed that the man who came to withdraw with Mr. Uzoma’s ATM card came with a fully loaded magazine.”
Enyinna recounted his ordeal in the video, confirming the abduction, threat to his life, and eventual release.
He explained that he was driving back to his base in Awka from Port Harcourt, where he went to welcome his brother, who had arrived from abroad when the incident occurred.
He said, “I was on the way around 6pm on Elele Road where I encountered about four police checkpoints. After searching my car, they found nothing except baby items.
“I drove about 10km further where I encountered six men dressed in black overalls with their Sienna car. They stopped three cars, including mine. The man who approached me questioned why I was driving at speed. I explained that I was heading to Awka and needed to beat the time due to the bad road conditions.
“The man searched my car thoroughly. After checking my documents, he asked if I had anything else in the car, and I mentioned my two Android phones and a Nokia phone. Then, he took me to the back of the car.”
Enyinna stated that trouble started when he refused to give out his phone as demanded by the men, leading to his abduction.
He added, “The man asked me what I do, and I told him I am a businessman who sells drinks in Awka. He demanded to see my phone, and I questioned why I should do so. I requested to call DSP, but immediately after I mentioned the DSP, he began to beat me. I can hardly hear with both ears now, my eyes are swollen, and I’m still bleeding.
“They beat me severely and forced me into their vehicle to unlock my phone. The only thing they found on my phone was a credit alert. My account officer had sent money for water. They demanded N20,000 from me, and when I questioned why, they beat me again inside the vehicle.
“Later, they accused me of internet fraud, which I denied. They threatened to kill me and asked about my car’s tracker and security code. From Elele Road, they drove me to Warri Road around 7.30 pm.
“They also inquired if my ATM could withdraw N1m. I told them I hadn’t done it before, after which they demanded my ATM PIN. I gave it, and they withdrew N500,000 twice, with a PoS transaction charge of N20,000. Afterwards, they left me with my car and instructed me to give thanks. They left with my money.”
Enyinna trailed the police officers, who eventually noticed and stopped their vehicle for him to pass.
“When they realised I was behind them, they stopped, and I overtook them. After about three minutes, I made a U-turn and returned to where I left them. Immediately, they drove off into another road. After driving a short distance, I found a police checkpoint where I narrated my ordeal.
“They took my first photograph and asked me to report to the police command, which I did this morning.
“Before I reported, I contacted my brother, who also involved the military to intervene. The soldiers instructed me to take them to the PoS operator. The man confirmed that one of the policemen came with three magazines. The POS agent complained about the man’s behaviour as he was chasing customers before he could withdraw the N1m with my ATM,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Tunji Disu, in response, told our source that he was not yet aware of the complaints.
He added that officers from other zones also operate in the area where Enyinna claimed he was abducted.
“I have seen your message and forwarded it to our PRO to find out what happened. I am not aware of it yet. So, if the person is around, the complaints will be lodged so that they can identify the person, trace the money, and work on it.
“At the same time, we have officers from other zones around here as well. We shall work on it if they give me the complaints,” he said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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