Drivers and riders in Cross River State, have been urged to resist unlawful demands and report any police officer soliciting or compelling them to make payments during stop-and-search.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, gave this charge in response to a recent alleged extortion of commercial drivers and tricycle operators along Calabar Road to Watt Market and adjoining areas at Atakpa Police Division.
The CP emphasized that no police officer is authorised to demand money from drivers, even as he reaffirmed the command’s committment to discipline and fight against all forms of extortion.
His words: “No police officer is authorised to demand, solicit or compel any driver or rider to make payments during a stop-and-search or any other lawful police operations.
“Do not make such payments, rather promptly report any police officer who demands or solicits such payments to the command through this complaint lines; 08137083052 and 08134096900, for appropriate action.”
The police commissioner who was represented by the Divisional Police Officer of Atakpa Police Division, Azenda Peter, during an engagement with stakeholders, drivers and riders stressed that the prohibition of extortion does not exempt motorists and riders from obeying the law.
Also Read: Rivers CJ Frees 14 Inmates in 2026/2027 Legal Year Exercise
Attendees included executive members of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, led by the State Chairman, Mr Nta Henshaw, and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, led by the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman, Chief Ekpenyong Ewa.
He further charged commercial drivers and tricycle operators to strictly comply with applicable road traffic laws and lawful police directives, stressing that violations would be addressed through established legal and enforcement procedures.
He further reminded all police personnel in the state that every officer is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Ordue assured that the command remained committed to strengthening public confidence through disciplined policing, community partnership, accountability and professional service delivery.
According to him, “The command will continue to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing legitimate public concerns and assures members of the public that credible complaints of police misconduct will receive appropriate attention and be handled in accordance with the law.”
