Gombe Motorcycle Riders Accuse Police Of Extortion Over Curfew Enforcement

Commercial motorcyclists in Gombe State, commonly known as Mai Achaba, have accused police officers of exploiting the state-imposed motorcycle curfew to extort money from them.

The Gombe State Police Command had enforced a curfew on motorcycle operations from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. beginning June 11, 2025, as part of efforts to address insecurity. But for many riders, the crackdown has reportedly morphed into a scheme for police officers to line their pockets.

Several riders who spoke to PUNCH Online on Wednesday alleged they had been forced to pay bribes under the pretense of curfew violations.

One rider, Malam Ismail Kawu of the Kagarawal area, said he had been extorted twice. “I was stopped at 6:50 p.m. near the university gate,” he recounted. “They claimed I broke the curfew and took the ₦3,000 I earned that day. Another time, they took ₦5,000. It’s unjust.”

Another rider, Ibrahim Abdul, narrated how officers from the Gona Division seized his motorcycle near Corner Alheri at exactly 7:00 p.m. while he was heading home without a passenger. “They refused to release my bike until I paid ₦5,000,” he said. “I had only ₦2,000 left to care for my family. I support the curfew, but not this abuse of power.”

A third rider, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the lack of transparency in the enforcement. “How does extorting innocent citizens help fight crime?” he questioned. “Enforcement should be about protection, not profit.”

Riders from neighborhoods like Nayi Nawa, Madaki, and Barunde echoed similar frustrations and called on authorities to urgently address the issue.

In response, Police Public Relations Officer Buhari Abdullahi said the command had not received any official complaints. “We’ve set up 47 checkpoints across the state, monitored by senior officers,” he stated. “If any misconduct is confirmed, those responsible will face disciplinary action.”

Abdullahi urged residents to continue supporting the police in maintaining order, noting that the curfew has already helped reduce crime across Gombe.