Rivers state police command have arrested three officers for kidnapping and extorting the sum of $3,000 from two men in the state.
Rivers police PPRO, Grace Iringe-Koko, announced the arrest in Port Harcourt on Monday while revealing that the money equivalent to N4.2 million have been recovered and returned to its rightful owners.
During the parade of the arrested police men before newsmen, Iringe-Koko said the action is part of internal disciplinary measures taken against operatives involved in unlawful activities.
According to her, the three officers attached to the Rivers State Police Command will now face an orderly room trial and query respectively.
The police spokesperson 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.
“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.”
