Gombe motorcyclists accuse police of extortion

Commercial motorcycle riders in Gombe State, popularly known as ‘Mai Achaba’, have accused police officers of extortion while enforcing the state’s motorcycle curfew.

The Gombe State Police Command had on June 11 imposed a restriction on motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to curb insecurity.

However, some riders told PUNCH Online on Wednesday that officers have turned the enforcement into a money-making opportunity.

Malam Ismail Kawu, a resident of Kagarawal community in Gombe metropolis, said he had been extorted twice by officers under the guise of enforcing the curfew.

On one occasion, I was stopped around 6:50 p.m. after passing the university gate. The officers claimed I violated the curfew and forced me to hand over the N3,000 I had made for the day.

“Another time, they took N5,000 from me. This is unfair,” he said.

Another rider, Ibrahim Abdul, recounted a similar experience, alleging that police officers attached to Gona Division seized his motorcycle near Corner Alheri around 7:00 p.m. while he was on his way home.

“I wasn’t carrying a passenger. I was just heading home when they stopped me.

They demanded N5,000 before they released my motorcycle. I was left with only N2,000 to feed my family. I don’t oppose the curfew, but the way some officers abuse their power is alarming,” Abdul said.

Another rider, who preferred not to be named, said the enforcement has lacked transparency and respect for citizens’ rights.

“If the purpose of the curfew is to curb crime, how does extorting law-abiding citizens help that goal?

“The government must ensure that enforcement is done responsibly, not as a means for officers to enrich themselves,” he said.

Riders from other parts of the metropolis, including Nayi Nawa, Madaki, and Barunde, also shared similar stories and called for urgent intervention from authorities.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Buhari Abdullahi, said the command had not received any official complaint regarding extortion during curfew enforcement.

We have 47 checkpoints set up to enforce the curfew, and senior officers regularly monitor these points. However, if such incidents have occurred, we will investigate and ensure that any officer found guilty is sanctioned accordingly,” Abdullahi added.

The PRO urged residents to be patient and support the police in maintaining peace and security, noting that the curfew had already contributed to a decline in criminal activities across the state.