The controversy surrounding the alleged N62 million extortion by the Enugu State Police Command continues to unfold.
Reports indicate that the police allegedly extorted N62 million from one Olu Agwu, a native of Abiriba in Abia State, with the payments made into disguised bank accounts in two tranches. The funds were reportedly intended to suppress information linking high-profile individuals to the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
However, the Enugu State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, has dismissed the allegations as ‘unfounded.’
In a new development, Barr. Emeka Abah, counsel to the suspect, Agwu, has refuted claims implicating the Commissioner of Police, CP Uzuegbu, and the police authorities in the alleged bribery.
“The allegations are unfounded, frivolous, and vexatious. The police were not involved in the payment process. They acted as mediators in an alternative dispute resolution capacity and are still investigating the matter,” Abah stated.
He explained that the police are examining Agwu’s possible involvement in financing or utilizing ESN or IPOB for threats against Mr. Michael Umeh.
Abah further revealed that he had no prior connection to Agwu but was contacted by a colleague to represent him. He recounted that Agwu was arrested in December 2024 and was initially granted administrative bail pending further investigations, though his vehicle was withheld due to allegations of being a proceed of crime.
On Agwu’s accusations against the CP, Abah stated, “I don’t know what Agwu is up to. Perhaps he is attempting to pressure the police with media attention.”
He also addressed the financial transactions in question, stating that his personal account was not used to facilitate any payments to the police.
“My account was never used to transfer money to the police. I only saw such claims on social media, which came as a shock. I took up Agwu’s legal representation on December 26, 2024, while in my village. At the time, he was detained at the Anti-Kidnap Unit in Enugu.
“We agreed on my professional fee, which was part of the first tranche of the alleged funds. The second tranche, N30 million, was partial payment for a financial dispute between Agwu and Mr. Umeh. The police granted Agwu access to legal representation, and I personally handled his bail request,” he explained.
Abah clarified that the accusations against his client involved allegations of sponsoring IPOB/ESN activities, but Agwu maintained that the dispute was strictly financial.
“My role is purely legal. Agwu claims he had a business arrangement with Umeh, and their disagreement stemmed from a profit-sharing formula. However, the complainant alleged that Agwu diverted part of the funds to support IPOB. That is a matter for police investigation,” he added.
He concluded that Agwu expressed his desire to settle the matter within police jurisdiction, with his seized vehicle serving as part of the ongoing proceedings.
As investigations continue, the Enugu State Police Command maintains that due process will be followed to ensure justice prevails.
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