By Obinna Nwaoku, Port Harcourt
23 January 2024
The Rivers State Police Command has issued an official query to three officers and commenced their orderly room trial for extorting two young men of N4 million in Aba, Abia State.
The officers identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Doubara Edonyabo; ASP Talent Mungo, and Inspector Odey Michael were yesterday paraded at the command’s headquarters on Moscow Road.
Addressing journalists, spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, said immediate steps were taken to apprehend the officers and a thorough investigation was conducted to ascertain facts surrounding the incident.
She said $3,000 was extorted from the victims, equivalent to N4.2 million. She said the money was recovered and released to the victims on January 18.
“Following a comprehensive inquiry, it has been established that the actions of the officers in question were in clear violation of the law and the ethical standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force. As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken to address this grave misconduct.
“The Rivers State Police Command is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. The behaviour exhibited by the implicated officers is completely unacceptable and does not represent the values and principles of our organisation. We deeply regret the negative impact that such misconduct may have on the reputation of the Rivers State Command and the Nigeria Police Force in general,” the spokesperson said.
She, however, stressed that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the vast majority of officers who serve with honour and distinction.
She noted that the Inspector General of Police has consistently articulated a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct within the force, and that this incident does not reflect the aspirations of the Nigeria Police Force.
She assured that Rivers State Police Command would remain resolute in its commitment to serving and protecting the community with utmost professionalism and integrity.
