The Police Service Commission (PSC) has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of office involving senior officers of the Zone 7 Police Command, Abuja. The probe follows a petition by Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, whose property was allegedly demolished with police assistance.
According to PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu, the investigation will focus on the roles of the officer in charge of the Legal Unit and the deputy commissioner in charge of operations, both accused of misconduct, extortion, and abuse of office. PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani revealed that the demolition took place on December 19, 2024, when police officers, alongside enforcement officials from the Federal Capital Territory High Court, forcibly evicted Yahaya’s family and removed his belongings. The enforcement unit, led by Shamsudeen Ubandoma, allegedly extorted N700,000 from Yahaya under the pretense of covering police enforcement costs.
Further, on January 16, 2025, police officers reportedly accompanied Alhaji Usman Sarki, the alleged claimant of the disputed land, to demolish Yahaya’s residence using trucks and bulldozers. Yahaya was later arrested and charged with conspiracy, trespass, and mischief, despite claiming he had legally occupied the property for over 15 years.
The PSC chairman has urged the Inspector-General of Police to establish a committee to investigate the allegations. Yahaya is demanding a thorough inquiry, disciplinary action against the implicated officers, and N1 billion in compensation. The PSC emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the outcome of the probe will have significant implications for police integrity and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
