B/A CHRAJ investigates alleged extortion by police

Atebubu (B/A), March 20, GNA - The Atebubu District Office of Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice is investigating alleged extortion of 500,000 cedis by the police. A 40 year-old farmer, Mr. Fobiri Yagyafo (rpt Yagyafo) of Ahoenor in Atebubu district has petitioned the Commission against his unlawful arrest, detention and extortion by the Police at Atebubu. Mr. Vasco Kwadwo Nyamekye, Atebubu District Director of the Commission told Ghana News Agency that at about 0415 hours on February 5, this year, four policemen broke into Mr. Yagyafo's house to investigate a case involving a fight with four persons. He said the police arrested and assaulted him for refusing their invitation to the police station.

The farmer was kept in cells at Atebubu Police Station for two days and was granted a police enquiry bail after parting with 500,000 cedis demanded by Chief Inspector E. K. Denyo.

The CHRAJ Director said Mr. Nche Margo, a senior brother of Yagyafo who accompanied him to the police station has corroborated the allegation. He said upon his release Mr. Yagyafo petitioned the CHRAJ office for his unlawful arrest and detention.

Mr. Nyamekye told GNA the Commission had ordered the police to furnish it with their comments within seven days while copies of the petition had been sent to the police commander at Atebubu.