Lands Minister Hamat Bah has condemned police and immigration officers for allegedly extorting money from drivers, warning that anyone found guilty of such actions will face serious consequences.

His comments come after President Adama Barrow issued a stern warning to officers accused of taking bribes from drivers at traffic stops, vowing to dismiss any officer found engaging in corruption.

Speaking at a rally, Mr. Bah, one of the longest-serving ministers in the Barrow administration, backed the president’s stance and criticized extortion practices within the security forces as unlawful and unacceptable.

“There is something happening within the security forces. Those officers checking documentation of vehicles, your role is to verify if their papers are in order, but it is not your role to demand money from drivers. That action must stop and will not be tolerated,” he said.

He emphasised that extorting money from drivers is illegal and urged security officers to adhere to their duties without exploiting citizens.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba