Rivers: Police dismiss inspector, suspend two others over $3,000 extortion
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed an inspector, Michael Odey, and suspended two others over extortion of $3,000 from a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Rivers command’s public relations officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
“As previously communicated during our press briefing on February 13, 2024, Inspector Michael Odey was found guilty and subsequently dismissed from duty, effective from 07/02/2024, following thorough, orderly room proceedings and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16,” she stated.
According to her, ASP Doubara Edonyabor and ASP Talent Mungo were suspended from the force on February 29 after approval by the Police Service Commission (PSC), adding, “the salaries of the implicated officers have been stopped.”
“The two officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is responsible for addressing disciplinary issues involving senior officers. An update would soon be given on other cases involving these officers,” she added.
The disciplinary action followed an outcry by a Delta State-based human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishuin, who had on his official X handle on January 19, accused the officers of the illegal arrest and their extortion of $3,000 from the victim.
He said, “The police officers attached to Rivers State command left Port Harcourt to Aba, Abia State, arrested the man, took him to Rivers State, Bayelsa State and entered Ughelli, Delta State.
“After paying 3000 USDT, they moved him back to Port Harcourt and dumped him. Let it be on record that the commissioner of police in Rivers State is aware of this kidnapping by men under his supervision.”
