Three police officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo, ASP Talent Mungo, and Inspector Odey Michael, have been arrested and paraded in Rivers State for abduction and extortion of N4.2 million ($3000) from their victims.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was said to have ordered their arrest following reports that the policemen unlawfully abducted two young men and extorted the said amount of money from them.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the policemen were paraded on Monday at the state Police Command in Port Harcourt.
She 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 the 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 complainant. They were extorted of the sum of $3000 USDT, equivalent to four million, two hundred thousand naira (N 4,200,000.00).
“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”.
She said investigations revealed that the actions of the officers were in clear violation of the law and the ethical standards expected of members of the force.
She described as completely unacceptable the behavior exhibited by the implicated officers saying they do not represent the values and principles of the force.
She said: “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.
“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.
“It is important to emphasize that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the vast majority of our officers who serve with honor 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.
“We urge the public to continue to have faith in the Nigeria Police Force as we strive to maintain the trust and confidence of the citizens we are sworn to serve”.
