In yet another alarming case of police misconduct in Nigeria, a deaf man and three others who were brutally attacked by hooligans in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State found themselves behind bars instead of receiving justice. Shockingly, the victims were forced to pay N300,000 for bail, while their assailants roamed free.
The incident, which occurred on December 12, 2024, involved a violent attack on Ikpeasan Abaga, a deaf and mute man, alongside three others: Kuru Adamu, Micah Lena, and Ikpe Bako. They were reportedly ambushed and severely beaten with machetes and clubs by a gang of hooligans.
But instead of arresting the attackers, police officers from the Taraba State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) allegedly extorted the victims, demanding a hefty sum of N300,000 before granting them their freedom.
How the Police Became the Oppressors Instead of Protectors
Eyewitnesses and community leaders who intervened in the matter were left in shock when the police stormed Takum town and forcefully took the victims away.
According to sources, armed officers from the CID, acting on the alleged orders of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zango, bypassed the local police division and stormed the community to detain the ailing deaf victim, his co-victims, and even a local councillor who had attempted to mediate the conflict.
Extortion Under the Guise of Justice
To secure their release, the victims and the councillor, Shibong Ward Councillor Zaure, were compelled to pay N300,000 to ASP Mure Audu Eric of the Taraba State CID. The payment was made through a combination of cash and a bank transfer—N100,000 in cash and N200,000 via bank transfer.
A transaction receipt revealed that the receiving account number (0011825454) at Access Bank was registered under Mure Audu Eric, confirming the police officer’s direct involvement in the extortion.
Speaking to reporters, Councillor Zaure recounted his ordeal:
“We had to cough up a whopping N300,000 to be allowed to return home. It was an outright abuse of power.”
A Twist of Corruption: N1.2 Million Compensation Money Disappears
As part of an earlier community-led peace resolution, the attackers had agreed to compensate the victims with N1.2 million, which was placed in the custody of Councillor Zaure. However, in another twist, police officers returned to Takum and allegedly took the money.
“Just yesterday, Inspector Gambo and ASP Eric came here to Takum and collected the N1.2 million compensation money that was in my custody,” Zaure revealed.
Police Deny Knowledge of the Money, But Confirm Arrests
When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command spokesperson, SP Usman Abdullahi, admitted that the deaf victim, the councillor, and three others were arrested and taken to the State CID on January 18, 2025.
However, he claimed their arrest followed a life-threatening petition sent to the Commissioner of Police (CP) by the very suspects accused of carrying out the attack.
On the issue of the N1.2 million compensation money and the N300,000 bail extortion, Abdullahi denied any knowledge, stating:
“I’m not aware of any such monetary transaction.”
A Pattern of Police Abuse in Nigeria
This case is just one of many incidents highlighting the growing abuse of power, corruption, and injustice within the Nigerian police force. Victims who should be protected often become targets of extortion, while criminals walk free due to a deeply compromised system.
For Ikpeasan Abaga, a deaf man who was already battling communication barriers, his experience reflects the harsh reality faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, where justice is often for sale.
As calls for police reform and accountability continue to rise, the question remains: Will justice ever truly be served, or will corruption continue to thrive unchecked?
source: Saharareporters
