Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory have apprehended a 40-year-old man, Yahaya Saleh, for allegedly offering a ₦1.5 million bribe to investigators in a bid to secure the release of a suspected kidnapper currently under probe.
The arrest was carried out by the Scorpion Squad, an elite unit of the FCT Police Command spearheading investigations into a kidnapping ring reportedly active in Abuja and nearby regions.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said Saleh made the offer to compromise the integrity of the investigation and unlawfully free one of the suspects already in custody.
“Yahaya Saleh approached the officers handling the case and offered them ₦1.5 million to sabotage the investigation and release a suspect linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate,” Adeh stated in an official release on Wednesday.
However, rather than accept the bribe, the officers reportedly acted with professionalism and integrity, immediately initiating procedures that led to Saleh’s arrest.
“The officers demonstrated a high level of commitment to justice by rejecting the inducement and arresting the individual involved,” Adeh added.
According to her, investigations are still ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has since applauded the officers for upholding the values of transparency and accountability.
“The conduct of the investigating officers is commendable. The Command remains firm in its commitment to stamping out corruption and upholding justice,” the police commissioner stated.
The Command also urged members of the public to continue to support police efforts by providing timely and useful information to aid in crime fighting.
