(The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Kabiru Hassan. Photo by Linkedln)
The police commissioner in Adamawa State has warned his officers not to extort money from beer and liquor sellers in Girei Local Government Area.
The warning came after journalists reported that the local police chief has been collecting money from beer parlour owners.
The police spokesman said the enforcement operation is lawful and aimed at making sure liquor shops follow the rules set in the Liquor Act.
According to the statement, the operation includes checking licensed premises, shutting down illegal outlets, making sure shops respect operating hours, and taking violators to court.
The police said they stepped up enforcement because of recent criminal incidents in the area, including a killing at a hotel.
The commissioner made clear that no officer is permitted to demand or take money from liquor sellers as payment for staying open or avoiding closure.
He said no threat or intimidation will stop the police from carrying out the law properly.
Anyone arrested for breaking liquor laws will be dealt with according to the law.
If there’s enough evidence, they’ll be charged in court.
The command asked the public to report any extortion or misconduct by police officers through the proper channels so an investigation can happen.
However, the statement didn’t mention whether the police have started investigating the Girei police chief himself over the extortion allegations.
But according to a separate investigation, the local police chief actually called in some beer sellers on Friday to find out who told journalists about his extortion activities.
