Some commercial motorcycle operators in Gombe State have accused police officers enforcing the restriction on motorcycle movement of extorting money from them.
StarReporters reports that the Gombe State Police Command, on June 11, restricted motorcycle movement between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. within Gombe metropolis.
However, riders in separate interviews on Wednesday claimed some officers had turned the enforcement into a money-making opportunity.
Ismail Kawu, a rider from the Kagarawal area of Gombe metropolis, alleged that police personnel extorted him twice, collecting ₦3,000 on one occasion and ₦5,000 on another.
He said he was stopped near the gate of Gombe State University and forced to part with ₦3,000.
Another cyclist, Ibrahim Abdul, narrated a similar encounter with officers from Gona Division near Corner Alheri. He claimed a policeman seized his motorcycle around 7:00 p.m. while he was heading home from work.
“I was not carrying anyone but riding home to rest for the day; only for me to be stopped and my bike seized.
“I was forced to pay ₦5,000 for nothing, leaving me with only ₦2,000 to fend for my household.
“I am not against the ban but the recklessness at which the police abuse their power is alarming.
“We are Nigerians and we deserve respect as we are doing our legitimate businesses, we shouldn’t be harassed like this,” he alleged.
Another rider, who requested anonymity, called for civility and respect for human rights in enforcing the ban.
He appealed to the state government and police authorities to closely monitor the enforcement in order to maintain the original intent of the restrictions.
Responding to the allegations, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Police Public Relations Officer, said the command had not received any formal report of extortion involving its personnel at the 47 checkpoints established for the ban.
He stated that senior officers had been deployed to monitor compliance and that any allegations would be duly investigated.
“I assure members of the public that necessary actions will be taken against erring officers,” he said.
Abdullahi also urged residents to support the police, stating that the enforcement has significantly reduced crime across the metropolis.
(NAN)