Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised concern over the new method introduced by the men of the FCT police command to intimidate, harass and extort money from motorists, especially during public holidays.
The new trick, they disclosed, is the use of false allegation by the police that their victim beats traffic light.
This, they have therefore, called on the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Muhammad, to call his men to order, especially officers stationed at the traffic light opposite Bullet near Head of Service.
A victim of such intimidation and harassment who gave his name as Bala disclosed that, on two occasions during the Christmas and New Year holidays, the police stopped him in the same place and falsely accused him of breaking traffic light.
According to him: “I carefully watched the traffic light and made sure it did not count to number 1 before I passed, but immediately I passed, the police stopped me and said that I beat the traffic.
“I tried to let them know that I did not beat the traffic light, but they turned deaf ears to my explanation.”
He further revealed that: “The police threatened to take me to Mobile Court which I told them I was ready to face the court. But they later said that I should pay N25,000 so that they can allow me go. After heated argument, in order not to waste my time, I gave them N1,000 and they left me.”
Another victim, Mrs Amina who was visibly angry while responding to questions from The AUTHORITY said: “These men are just looking for unnecessary fault. I passed the traffic point before it brought out the red light, but this people still stopped me and alleged that I beat the traffic.
“After long discussion, I discovered that they were just looking for avenue to collect money from me, and because I was already late to work, I gave them N500 naira.
“The FCT Commissioner of Police must rise to the challenge as the situation is becoming embarrassing.”