The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi, on Thursday raised renewed concerns over alleged extortion by security operatives on Nigerian highways, vowing to initiate legislative measures to curb the practice.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultation meeting held at the Abakaliki Local Government Headquarters in Nkaleke, the lawmaker disclosed that he personally intervened in an incident involving police officers accused of harassing motorists along a major route in Ebonyi State.
According to him, the encounter occurred near Ogbala Market while he was en route to the event, where he observed a group of officers allegedly extorting road users under the guise of routine stop-and-search operations.
“I observed police personnel stopping motorists and demanding money unlawfully. I intervened immediately, and they vacated the location,” the senator stated, describing the development as a recurring violation of citizens’ rights and a threat to public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
He warned that the persistence of such practices undermines ongoing police reform initiatives and weakens trust in Nigeria’s internal security framework.
The senator further disclosed plans to reintroduce a motion on the floor of the Senate aimed at prohibiting unauthorized checkpoints, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and enforcing disciplinary measures within the Nigeria Police Force.
Nwebonyi noted that he had previously sponsored a motion during the first session of the 10th National Assembly addressing the rights of citizens on highways.
He stressed that the resurgence of extortion allegations points to enforcement gaps and institutional deficiencies.
“With the appointment of a new Inspector-General of Police, there is an expectation of enhanced operational discipline and accountability. However, emerging reports suggest a relapse into unprofessional conduct by some officers. This requires decisive intervention,” he said.
Beyond security concerns, the lawmaker highlighted his legislative and constituency interventions, including road infrastructure development, rehabilitation of educational facilities, and community-based empowerment programmes across Ebonyi North.
He stated that these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to responsive representation and sustainable development.
The consultation, according to him, forms part of his ongoing engagement with grassroots stakeholders ahead of anticipated political activities in the next electoral cycle.
The senator urged constituents to remain vigilant and to continue demanding accountability from public officeholders and security agencies.
He identified illegal checkpoints and roadside extortion as systemic challenges within Nigeria’s internal security architecture, often associated with weak supervisory controls, inadequate personnel welfare, and lapses in enforcement of professional standards.
He added that efforts by police authorities to dismantle unauthorized roadblocks and sanction erring officers have produced mixed outcomes, with civil society organisations advocating for strengthened monitoring frameworks, including technology-driven oversight systems and community-based reporting mechanisms.
