The Rivers State Police Command has taken action against officers involved in extortion. Inspector Michael Odey has been dismissed, while two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo, face dismissal after being queried.
These officers were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and extorting $3000 from two travellers in December 2023. Claiming to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), they threatened to take the victims to the Lagos zonal command.
The victims were taken to different states and accused of fraud before being extorted of $3000. Upon reporting the incident, the police recovered the money and arrested the officers.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the dismissal of Inspector Odey and the recommendation for the dismissal of ASPs Edonyabo and Mungo.
Iringe-Koko said the disciplinary process for the two ASPs involves the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command is issuing an update regarding an ongoing investigation into an extortion incident involving three police officers.
“As part of our commitments to transparency and accountability, we are providing the following information: After a thorough investigation, two officers have been officially queried and recommended for dismissal as per established procedures.
“This recommendation has been swiftly forwarded to the Force Secretary for necessary action. Inspector Michael Odey’s case has progressed with the conclusion of Orderly Room Proceedings.”
The state police PRO further stated that the findings had been reviewed by AIG Alifa Omata, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Yenagoa, who had upheld the recommendation of dismissal from the Force and had been relieved of his duty effective February 7, 2024.
According to her, “All three officers remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of a similar nature. Updates on these investigations will be provided in due course.
“The disciplinary process for Assistant Superintendents of Police Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo involves review by the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission, ensuring a fair and just resolution.
“The Rivers State Police Command encourages residents to promptly report any misconduct by law enforcement agents.”
Iringe-Koko noted that all reports would be handled with the utmost seriousness, promising that appropriate actions would be taken to uphold fairness and justice.
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