- A Nigerian returnee has alleged that a joint team of soldiers and police officers in Imo State demanded ₦2 million from him after discovering foreign currency during a checkpoint search and later seized the money.
- The allegations have triggered widespread reactions online, with many calling for a thorough investigation, while authorities are yet to issue an official response.
A Nigerian man who recently returned from abroad has alleged that he was harassed and extorted by a joint team of soldiers and police officers while entering Owerri, Imo State, claiming they demanded ₦2 million after discovering foreign currency in his possession.
According to the man, the incident occurred at a checkpoint where security operatives stopped him, searched his luggage and found nothing incriminating except the foreign currency he had brought into Nigeria to exchange and use during his stay.
He alleged that the officers questioned him about the money and demanded ₦2 million before they would release him. When he asked what offence he had committed, he claimed they threatened him and began recording videos of him with the cash, allegedly portraying him as a criminal.
The returnee further alleged that after detaining him for some time, the officers took all the cash he had on him, including the foreign currency. Fearing for his safety, he said he was forced to leave the money behind and walk away.
The allegations have since sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation into the incident, while others urged the victim to report the matter to the appropriate authorities. As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Some reactions below:
@fon4gud: “This kind of harassment of people bringing in foreign exchange is exactly why many diaspora Nigerians think twice before coming home with cash.”
@Dorren06: “God have mercy oo. This is unbelievable and appalling if it is confirmed to be true. Omo eeh, I weep for obodo anyi.”
@citywideworld: “Stories like this sound unreal but it’s the reality in Nigeria.”
@Prince_Nboss: “He should contact Harrison Gwamnishu without wasting time.”
@BrendaEbyslady: “This is so bad. From top to bottom, they are corrupt. Not a good image at all.”
@dragoninte85121: “Report to the Area Commander stating the day, time and date. They all will be apprehended.”
@billionikeMAGA: “These police and army men are fulanis and yaribas. They are criminals.”
@chinemelumma: “Nigeria security operatives are nothing but criminals in uniforms.”
@Greatsam023: “Omo people are wicked oo.”
@danythecno: “This thing’s happening every day. How can the NPF stop all this?”
@tALLeazy_: “The Nigerian police and criminality.”
