Upper Iweka: How Police Extortion Replaced Armed Robbery Under Onitsha’s Once-Deadly Flyover

Fear may have reduced under the notorious Upper Iweka flyover in Onitsha, but many motorists now say a different kind of harassment has taken over the area — alleged police extortion.

For years, the busy stretch along the Onitsha-Awka Expressway in Onitsha was one of the most dreaded locations in the commercial city. Armed robbers, kidnappers, bag snatchers and street gangs reportedly operated freely around the bridge, targeting commuters, traders and visitors at all hours of the day.

Successive governments in Anambra State eventually intensified security operations around the area, leading to a significant drop in violent crimes. Residents say the bridge is now safer than it once was, but allegations against some security operatives have started raising fresh concerns.

Motorists accused some police officers deployed to the area of turning security checkpoints into extortion points. The operatives were said to be attached to different formations, including Highway Patrol, Anti-Kidnapping units, Rapid Response Squad teams and monitoring units operating within Onitsha and nearby communities.

According to several complaints, commercial drivers are frequently stopped and pressured to pay small amounts over vehicle documents or alleged traffic offences. Private car owners, however, reportedly face more serious intimidation. Victims alleged that officers demand obscure documents such as police extracts and tinted permit papers even when regular vehicle particulars are complete.

Some motorists claimed they were falsely accused of driving stolen vehicles and forced to pay huge sums ranging from N200,000 to N500,000 to avoid arrest or detention. In some cases, victims were allegedly escorted to nearby POS operators where money was withdrawn or transferred immediately.

One of the incidents that drew public attention reportedly happened in March when a vehicle owner was allegedly forced to part with N200,000 after being accused of possessing a stolen car. The situation escalated after the victim informed his wife, who contacted a senior police officer serving in Abuja.

The matter was later reported at the Okpoko Divisional Headquarters, where the Divisional Police Officer reportedly deployed officers to identify those involved. The accused officers, said to be attached to Highway Patrol, allegedly refunded the money after intervention by the police division. Reports later emerged that the officers were arrested, subjected to internal disciplinary procedures and transferred to Abuja for further action.

Another case allegedly involved officers attached to the Onitsha Area Command who reportedly extorted N250,000 from the owner of a Toyota Highlander after accusing him of driving a stolen vehicle. Sources claimed the victim was detained temporarily, pressured repeatedly for money and eventually taken to a POS operator to withdraw cash before being released.

The victim later petitioned senior police authorities, including the Area Commander, the state Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector General in charge of Zone 13. Following the petition, the money was reportedly refunded to him through the same POS channel where it was initially withdrawn.

Despite the controversies, many residents still acknowledged improvements in security around Upper Iweka and other parts of Onitsha. Community members and traders, however, are urging police authorities to sustain their crackdown on corruption and extortion within the force.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has repeatedly warned officers against extorting members of the public, insisting that police personnel must focus on protecting lives and property rather than exploiting innocent citizens.