Police investigating N350k bribe demand in reaction to Twitter complaint
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police aware of their low esteem in the eyes of the public are trying to claw back some modicum of credibility by appointing tech savvy officers to react quickly to complaints on social media.
Force Headquarters in Abuja and Lagos Police Command are particularly adept at deploying Twitter to douse tension.
A case in point is the quick response to a complaint lodged via Twitter alleging police officers demanded N350,000 bribe to release a corpse for burial.
@princenenchecfr raised the alarm in a Twitter post as he sought the help of Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi and Lagos Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin.
The tweep claimed his friend was murdered on 26 November and Anambra police officers were demanding N350,000 bribe to release the corpse for burial.
“Hello sirs @BenHundeyin and @Princemoye1, my friend was murdered in Anambra on Saturday and no leads till now.
“Currently the police at CPS Awka is asking for N350,000 to release his corpse for burial. What is the hope of the common man in Nigeria? Please help us!”
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Police response on Twitter
Per reporting by The PUNCH, Anambra Police Public Relations Officer Ikenga Tochukwu tweeted in response: “We are aware of the shooting that took place that day which led to the death of the young man.
“Preliminary information reveals that it is cult related. I will follow up. Meanwhile, we have three suspects in custody.
“While we look into this allegation, just know that it is not within the powers of the DPO to release corpse or investigate murder cases.
“I will advise you write to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command. We will look into it. Cheers!”
Such a response would have taken days in the past, or never received.