Police crack down: 2 Officers suspended, 1 dismissed over $3,000 extortion scandal

Police crack down: 2 Officers suspended, 1 dismissed over $3,000 extortion scandal

In a bold move against corruption, the Rivers State Police Command has taken decisive action, suspending two officers and dismissing another from the Force over allegations of extorting $3,000 from two individuals at gunpoint.

Confirmation of these actions came from the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

According to Iringe-Koko, Inspector Michael Odey faced dismissal on February 7, while ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo had their case files forwarded to police headquarters for further scrutiny.

She explained that due to the ranks of Edonyabo and Mungo, approvals from the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) were necessary, resulting in their cases being sent to the headquarters.

In a significant development, the Police Service Commission has officially sanctioned the suspension of Edonyabo and Mungo, effective from February 29, 2024.

NAN reports that Both officers are now set to face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), tasked with addressing disciplinary matters concerning senior officers.

Iringe-Koko assured the public of regular updates on the trial proceedings involving the two officers, emphasizing the command’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

She highlighted that this firm stance against misconduct serves as a powerful warning to any officer contemplating unethical behavior while on duty.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, stands resolute in his mission to uphold discipline within the force, Iringe-Koko reiterated.

Encouraging residents to report any form of misconduct by officers, Iringe-Koko provided contact numbers, ensuring confidentiality for informants.

The swift and decisive action taken by the Rivers State Police Command underscores its dedication to maintaining integrity and restoring public trust in law enforcement, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within the Force.