Their operation which mostly starts around 6 p.m. lasts till late in the night everyday and throughout the period, motorists are harassed to give money while anyone who fails to abide by the new order is at his own peril.
It was learnt that the policemen usually issue various number to motorists after paying certain amount of money ranging from N100.00 or N200.00 denominations are readily given change by the police who then issue specific numbers to the bus drivers as the case may be.
What this has led to is the public perception that every policemen on road duty is a beggar, extortionist and destitute of self respect and discipline. One is inclined to reason that this development ought to be a big embarrassment to the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Government. It was for this reason a few IGs in the past had ordered the abolition of road blocks or check points nationwide, which would invariably make any subsisting one illegal. Unfortunately, this order has never been respected, which makes the public believe that the police brass hats are only playing a gimmick since it is alleged that returns from extortion get to the IG himself.
It was gathered that the fully armed police officers also make innocent commuters with envelops or bags in their possessions to face unnecessary rigours. They usually ordered them to come out of the buses and even upon explanation and disclosing what such envelops or bags contain, they intimidate them to settle or be detained. Most times the buses abandon these passengers because of the long period the police usually waste and demand for settlements before they are let off.
Just last week, a passenger nearly got the beating of his life and perhaps may have lost his life when he challenged a police officer who pointed gun at a passenger just because he complained about the delay the process caused.
The residents and commuters are therefore calling on the relevant Authority to call the officers to order.
Picture from www.ngrgaurdiannews.com
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