The Rivers State Police Command has said that the sum of $3,000 extorted from two men by three police officers has been returned to the owners.
The officers who kidnapped and
extorted the huge sum from the men will be made to face an orderly room trial
and query respectively.
The spokesperson for the
command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this while parading the suspects before
newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, Jan. 22.
Iringe Koko said: "The
Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has taken decisive
action in response to a distressing incident involving the unlawful abduction
and extortion of two young men by three of our officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo,
ASP Talent Mungo, and Inspector Odey Michael.
“The victims were arrested in
Abia State, taken to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, respectively for
alleged fraud by yet-to-be-seen complainants.
“They were extorted of the sum
of $3,000, equivalent to N4.2 million. Immediate steps were taken to apprehend
the officers involved, and a thorough investigation was conducted to ascertain
the facts surrounding the incident.
“The extorted money was
recovered and released to the victims on 18th January 2024.
“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.”
She added that “in response to
these regrettable events, the two officers have been issued with official
queries, and the inspector has been slated for an orderly room trial.
“Additionally, to demonstrate
our commitment to transparency and accountability, the Rivers State Police
Command has decided to publicly parade the officers before the press to
underscore the seriousness with which we view this matter.”
Iringe-Koko said the behaviour
of the errant officers was unacceptable and did not represent the values and
principles of the police.
She added, “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.
“It is important to emphasise
that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and
sacrifice of the vast majority of our officers who serve with honour and
distinction.
“The Inspector General of
Police has consistently articulated a zero-tolerance stance against corruption
and misconduct within the force, and this incident does not reflect the
aspirations of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
“The Rivers State Police
Command reassures the public that we remain resolute in our commitment to
serving and protecting the community with the utmost professionalism and
integrity.”
She urged the public to
continue to have faith in the Nigeria Police Force as they strive to maintain
the trust and confidence of the citizens they swore to serve.
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