Argungu said that the PSC is also fully aware that the road blocks mounted by security agencies have unfortunately turned South-East into toll gates where road users are forced under gunpoint to part with money.

The Nigerian Police Service Commission (PSC), has admitted that there have been several series of cases of serious human rights violations in the South-East region of the country by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) made the admission on Friday in his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the South-East stakeholders summit on peace and security which is holding at Hotel Sunshine, Enugu, Enugu State capital.

Argungu said that the PSC is also fully aware that the road blocks mounted by security agencies have unfortunately turned South-East into toll gates where road users are forced under gunpoint to part with money.

The summit was organised by the Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in collaboration with the South-East Civil Society Organisations.

Argungu said, “The Eastern Region has of late become the hot bed of insecurity in the country and the unofficial headquarters of Human Rights violations. 

“This is obviously a disturbing but avoidable situation and I sincerely commend the organizers of the programme - for bringing the searchlight on this topical national issue. 

“I have always identified with the Nigerian Bar Association not just because I am a lawyer but because I believe the Association has a lot of role to play in the sustenance of the nation's nascent democracy and the protection of the inalienable human and fundamental rights of the citizens.

“We are no more comfortable with the abuse of office by some security personnel detailed to provide security across this region. 

“We understand that there is a high level of insecurity in the zone especially with the ceaseless and senseless attacks from brainwashed youths from this zone masquerading as freedom fighters and killing their brothers and sisters. 

“But that obviously should not and never be an excuse to relapse into corruption by the security Agencies. 

“The Commission has continued to observe the corruption and extortion that dots all the roads traversing this region by virtually all the security operatives who are supposed to safeguard the roads and restore unhindered movement of people, goods and services. 

“The road blocks mounted by these security Agencies have unfortunately turned into toll gates where road users are forced under gunpoint to part with money.

“The Commission is also aware of the serious human rights violations by some misguided police officers in the South-East, who against the Commission's several warnings to stay away from civil matters have continued to swim in it because of the financial attraction. 

The PSC boss revealed that the commission had warned that police officers stay clear of land matters, debt and rent collection, marital disputes and other civil matters and allow the courts to do their duties. 

“But we have discovered that the allure of filthy money has become their albatross as they have continued to perpetuate this evil act,” he said.

Argungu added, “We know that some even go to the extent of twisting a mere land matter to threat to life, giving the case a different colouration. 

“The Commission is also aware that most times, these disgruntled police officers write these petitions for these people they want to extort money from and will later come to the Office to pose as judges trying to resolve matters.

“The Commission hereby warns that it will no longer tolerate this serious act of indiscipline and human right abuses and will henceforth not hesitate to put its disciplinary processes in motion to see to the dismissal of such errant officers.”

He vowed that the South-East must be freed of those he described as gangs of policemen who had found it difficult to work within approved boundaries.