Four police officers based in Abuja who were recently arrested over claims of extorting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have engaged lawyers and say they plan to sue the anti-graft chief.Through their counsel, the officers argue that they were misled during the encounter.
According to them, they approached a man and asked for his identity. They allege the man replied that he was “a law-abiding Nigerian” rather than stating that he heads the ICPC. The legal team contends that this response changed how the interaction unfolded.Their lawyer told reporters that if the Chairman had disclosed his office from the start, the situation would have been handled differently.
“My clients have a record of dealing professionally with members of the public,” counsel said. “They could not have known they were engaging with the head of the nation’s leading anti-corruption agency.”In documents reportedly filed with the suit, the officers claim the omission amounts to misrepresentation.
They are seeking compensation for reputational damage, emotional stress, and disruption to their duties. One officer stated in an affidavit that their work focuses on ensuring compliance among citizens, while another said the Chairman missed several chances to identify himself before the matter escalated.The ICPC is yet to officially respond to the legal threat. The development has drawn wide commentary online, with many questioning the basis of the claim given the officers’ initial arrest over alleged extortion.
