DPC impersonator arrested over extortion

The former special police constable attached to Gulu central police Michael Obwoya has been arrested over alleged extortion and impersonating Gulu district police commander (DPC).

Obwoya who was in 2013 sacked over the same offence was arrested on Monday after he allegedly tried to extort money from Steven Olanya the LC 1 chairperson of Green Valley and Dr. Desmond Ndrale, the director of imaging centre in Gulu town.

Olanya told New Vision on Tuesday that Obwoya demanded sh200,000 so as to celebrate his new appointment by the Inspector General Police (IGP) as the new DPC for Gulu district.

"He came to me last week and requested that I give him sh200,000 to facilitate his new appointment as the new DPC of Gulu. He said he was appointed by the IGP but the Gulu DPC-Martin Okoyo had not yet handed over the office to him", says Olanya.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the police spokesperson when contacted said that Obwoya has been impersonating as the new District Police Commander for Gulu District.

"He went all over Gulu Town saying he is the new DPC for Gulu. That was very wrong. He was dismissed from the police force in 2013. He is no longer with us," Okema said.

Okema said he will be charged with obtaining money through false pretense and impersonation.

However, Obwoya while at Gulu central police station denied the accusation.

He also complained that he has been left in the cell for more than 24 hours without being sent to court.

"I do not know why I'm being detained here. I'm not a thief. I did not steal anything. What you are asking about is something I do not know," said Obwoya.