Four officers from the Imo State Command of the Nigerian Police Force are currently facing an internal trial after being accused of detaining individuals for possessing fake dollars intended for movie production. The officers—Inspector Ibrahim Nainna, Unaka Maxvirgin, Inspector Miller Ibinitta, and Sergeant Antony Alozie—were implicated in a viral video posted by Young C Entertainment, which alleged extortion and misconduct.
The trial, initiated after the video gained widespread attention online, aims to investigate these claims and determine the officers’ accountability. According to Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, is personally overseeing the inquiry. Okoye emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring justice and accountability, stating, “The Commissioner and his management team are conducting inspections of detention cells across the state to ensure that no detainee is held beyond legal limits and that all individuals in custody are treated according to their rights.”
Young C Entertainment, the content creator who posted the video, accused the police of mistreatment, extortion, and illegal detention during a routine stop. The incident occurred when the group was traveling to shoot a movie and was carrying prop money intended for use in the film. Despite explaining the purpose of the fake currency, the officers reportedly detained the group and demanded a N1.5 million bribe, accusing them of possessing counterfeit US dollars.
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In a video shared online, Somto Okonkwo, a journalist and member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), detailed the encounter, noting that the officers stopped them on the way to an MTN office to recover a lost SIM card. Despite identifying himself as a member of the AGN, the officers allegedly ignored their explanations and imprisoned them in cell 12. Okonkwo further recounted that one detainee suffered an asthma attack due to the poor conditions in the cell, where detainees were denied food, medical attention, and contact with their families.
The allegations of police misconduct have sparked public outrage, prompting the trial of the officers involved. CP Aboki Danjuma’s ongoing inspection of police cells across the state is seen as a move toward greater transparency and accountability within the police force.
This development is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian police to address growing concerns over misconduct, extortion, and the treatment of detainees, as well as to rebuild public trust in the force. Further details on the outcome of the trial are expected as investigations continue.
