22nd January, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has paraded three police officers identified as involved in the unlawful abduction and extortion of two young men.
The officers are ASP Doubara Edonyabo, ASP Talent Mungo and Inspector Odey Michael.
They were implicated in the incident, where the victims were extorted $3000, equivalent to N4,200,000.00.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement, revealed that immediate steps were taken to apprehend the officers involved.
“A thorough investigation was conducted, leading to the recovery and release of the extorted money to the victims on January 18, 2024,” she said.
She said a comprehensive inquiry established that the actions of the officers were in clear violation of the law and ethical standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force.
“As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken to address this grave misconduct, reflecting the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to upholding integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
“The behaviour exhibited by the implicated officers is completely unacceptable and does not represent the values and principles of our organization,” Iringe-Koko said.
“The two Assistant Superintendent Police officers have been issued official queries, while the Inspector is set to face an orderly room trial. In a demonstration of transparency and accountability, the Rivers State Police Command publicly paraded the officers before the press, underscoring the seriousness with which they view this matter,” she added.
Iringe-Koko emphasised that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the majority of officers who served with honour and distinction.
“The Inspector-General of Police’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct is reiterated, and the incident is recognized as not reflecting the aspirations of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole,” she said.
“The Command reassured the public of the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to serving and protecting the community with utmost professionalism and integrity. The public is urged to maintain faith in the Nigeria Police Force as efforts continue to maintain the trust and confidence of the citizens they are sworn to serve,” she added.