Police Deny Extortion Allegation
The Violent Crime Response Unit of the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force breaks its silence, debunking allegations of seized bikes under questionable circumstances
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
For several month, the hundreds of motorcycles parked in rows, covered in dust and rain have fueled whispers in Owerri with tales of wrongful seizures, extortion and impunity, as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Imo State Police Command, formerly known as Tiger Base, has come under public scrutiny over the large number of motorcycles detained in its premises.
On social media and in hushed conversations across the state, residents have questioned: Who owns these bikes? Why are they still here? And is the police using them to make money?
Speaking with journalists recently, the VCRU Commander, ACP Odeyeyiwa popularly known as ACP Ola dismissed the allegations as false and misleading, maintaining that the motorcycles were not arbitrarily seized, adding, “They were recovered during criminal investigations and operations.”
He explained that many of the bikes were snatched from their owners at gunpoint and later recovered from armed robbery and kidnapping suspects. Others, he said, were operational tools used by criminals for phone snatching and other violent crimes across Owerri and neighbouring communities for easy escape.
ACP Odeyeyiwa said motorcycles held as exhibits in ongoing investigations or prosecutions cannot be released arbitrarily without violating legal procedures.
He said every claimant must provide credible proof of ownership including purchase receipt, ownership documents and valid identification before any release can be considered.
He disclosed that some individuals invited to verify their claims failed to return to complete the process.
On the most sensitive allegation that officers demand huge sums to release bikes, the commander was emphatic, saying, “Bail at this facility is free. The allegation of extortion is false, while also clarifying the Unit’s involvement in the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations in Owerri.
He said VCRU operatives only provided security backup after members of the enforcement task force were attacked by hoodlums. Traffic enforcement, he stressed, is not the core mandate of the VCRU.
“Our core duties remain combating kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and other violent offences,” he said, adding that intensified operations have drastically reduced motorcycle-related phone snatching around the Owerri metropolis.
For the VCRU, the issue goes beyond a yard full of motorcycles. It touches on accountability, due process and public confidence.
Clear procedures for documenting recovered items, verifying ownership, communicating reasons for detention and providing lawful channels for release, the commander said, remain essential to ensuring that property recovered in the name of public safety is handled fairly and lawfully.
As Owerri waits, the question remains: How quickly will those proven to be innocent owners ride their motorcycles out of VCRU premise?
