Authorities in Zombo District have called for investigations into allegations of misconduct at Paidha Central Police Station, following the arrest and remand of a police officer over claims of motorcycle theft and extortion.
The officer, who is attached to Paidha CPS, was recently remanded to Kakira Prison in Paidha after allegations emerged that he was involved in the disappearance of motorcycles reportedly held as police exhibits.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Ayikobua said the allegations have affected public confidence in the station and called for urgent measures to restore trust between the police and the community.
According to Ayikobua, four motorcycles reportedly kept at the station as exhibits have gone missing, including one belonging to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and three others belonging to members of the public.
He alleged that some officers at the station have also been demanding money from victims reporting cases and individuals providing information to aid investigations.
“At Paidha CPS, police arrest suspects with motorcycles, but after suspects are released, the motorcycles reportedly go missing under unclear circumstances,” Ayikobua said.
The RDC said the disappearance of a police CID motorcycle was particularly concerning, adding that an individual in custody allegedly provided information linking the remanded officer to the incident.
“A detainee at Paidha CPS told us that he saw the suspect rolling the motorcycle out of the station gate and was willing to identify him,” he said.
Ayikobua questioned how public confidence can be maintained when institutions responsible for enforcing the law face allegations of misconduct.
He further said the officer refused to participate in a parade of police personnel during inquiries into the matter, leading authorities to seek legal guidance from the Resident State Attorney before the officer was remanded.
“We asked all officers to come, but this particular suspect refused. We sought guidance from the Resident State Attorney, who advised that the officer be remanded, and that is where he is now,” Ayikobua said.
The RDC also raised concerns over alleged extortion of citizens at the station, including individuals who voluntarily provide information to police.
He cited an incident where victims of alleged Parish Development Model (PDM) fund-related fraud reportedly faced demands for money while attempting to record statements at the station.
“Recently, I moved with victims of PDM funds extortion to record statements at Paidha CPS, but police started asking them for money before recording their statements, even though they had come to support investigations,” he said.
Ayikobua also accused some officers of failing to properly handle cases involving alleged misuse of public funds, including claims that suspects arrested over PDM-related offences were being released on police bond contrary to government directives.
He urged residents to report cases involving extortion, missing property in police custody or any other misconduct, while calling on police leadership to conduct a thorough review of operations at Paidha CPS.
Meanwhile, Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Regional Police spokesperson, said the force would follow up on the allegations and establish the facts.
“What has been shared requires follow-up. Now that the RDC has made those comments, I will find out from the Paidha team,” Angucia said.
She cautioned that investigations must be based on verified facts before conclusions are made.
“These are investigative matters; we cannot throw words anyhow. I will follow up and communicate after establishing the facts,” she added.
The RDC, however, maintained that police should be transparent when addressing corruption-related concerns, saying accountability within security institutions is essential in maintaining public trust.
The allegations come amid wider concerns over misuse of public resources in Zombo District. Recently, authorities arrested parish chiefs over alleged misuse of Parish Development Model funds, including claims that beneficiaries’ identities were used to access funds without their full benefit.
Other complaints have involved alleged irregular payments to PDM beneficiaries and misuse of funds by individuals entrusted with facilitating the programme.
Authorities say investigations into these cases are ongoing.
