RULAAC accuses Borno police inspector of extortion, illegal detention in petition to PSC
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC) demanding an urgent investigation and disciplinary action against Inspector Musa Joseph of the Crack Squad, Borno State Police Command, over allegations of unlawful arrest, prolonged detention without due process, extortion, abuse of authority, and continued threats against a Kaduna-based businessman, Mr. Aliyu Abba.
In the petition dated February 13, 2026, and signed by RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma on behalf of Mr. Abba, the advocacy group described the officer’s actions as a clear abuse of police powers that turned a civil commercial dispute into coercive criminal enforcement for financial gain.
According to the petition, Mr. Abba, a businessman in Kaduna State, had supplied ginger to one Mr. Bakura Kajima in a legitimate transaction where the goods were delivered and received as agreed.
About a month later, Mr. Kajima reportedly arrived at Mr. Abba’s residence in Kaduna with police officers, leading to his arrest. He was then transported across states from Kaduna to Maiduguri, Borno State.
Upon arrival, Mr. Abba was shown a complaint letter alleging a reduction in the agreed price of the goods—an accusation he strongly denied. He proposed reasonable resolutions: inviting witnesses to verify the original terms, or allowing the complainant to return the goods for a refund. Despite these offers, he was detained.
The petition alleges that Mr. Abba was held for 14 days without formal judicial process or charge.
During detention, he was denied access to his mobile phone, oficers allegedly contacted his relatives without his consent and ₦3 million was collected from his in-law without his authorization.
The petition revealed that Inspector Musa Joseph personally extorted ₦600,000 from him as “bail money.”
RULAAC emphasized that bail is free under Nigeria Police Force policy, and no officer may demand or receive payment for it.
Even after release, Inspector Joseph has allegedly continued threatening Mr. Abba with re-arrest, causing significant fear, emotional distress, and harassment.
The group argued that the underlying issue is a civil commercial dispute, and the use of criminal processes appears designed for extortion and intimidation rather than justice.
RULAAC urged the PSC to launch an immediate, impartial, and independent investigation into Inspector Musa Joseph and any involved officers.
It also asked for probe of the collection of ₦3,000,000 from the in-law and ₦600,000 from Mr. Abba.
Tye petition seeks refund of all unlawfully collected monies, and to order Inspector Joseph to cease all threats, harassment, and intimidation.
The organization stated it is ready to submit all supporting documents, including receipts, for the investigation and called for urgent action to protect citizens’ rights, promote police accountability, and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
