The Rivers State Police Command has said one of its men identified as Inspector Michael Odey involved in an act of extortion has been dismissed.
Similarly, it disclosed that two other operatives involved in the act had been queried and recommended for dismissal according to established procedures.
PUNCH Metro reported that the three operatives, including two Assistant Superintendent of Police, were arrested and detained for allegedly kidnapping and extorting $3000 (about N4.2m) from two unidentified travellers in December 2023.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the dismissal of the Inspector and the recommendation for the dismissal of the two ASPs in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said Odey’s dismissal followed the conclusion of an orderly room trial by the command.
She explained that the ASPs were recommended for dismissal but their ranks had been forwarded to the office of the Inspector General of Police to ensure a fair and just trial.
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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