Calabar Residents Accuse Police of Extortion at Checkpoint

Residents and motorists in Calabar, Cross River State, have accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force of extorting money at a checkpoint near the Post Office complex, allegedly associated with the Atakpa Police Station. They claim that officers block the road every evening, demanding payments ranging from N200 to N500 from taxi and commercial bus drivers heading to Watt Market.

Drivers report that failure to comply results in delays or threats of vehicle impoundment. Effiom Effiong noted that this practice has raised transportation costs, as drivers include these "settlements" in passenger fares.

Emmanuel Bassey described the situation as one of extreme greed, urging the police hierarchy to dismantle the checkpoint or assign officers focused on crime prevention. The allegations come despite warnings from Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, against extortion.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stated that the command does not tolerate extortion and encouraged the public to report any incidents with evidence.