Police inspector dismissed, two others suspended for extortion in Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action against three of its officers following allegations of extortion.
Inspector Michael Odey has been dismissed from service, and two other officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabor and ASP Talent Mungo, have been suspended, as confirmed by the Rivers State Police Command.
In a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, it was announced that Inspector Odey’s dismissal was effective from February 7, 2024, after he was found guilty of extorting $3,000 from a Port Harcourt resident.
The decision came after “thorough, orderly room proceedings and a comprehensive review” by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16.
The statement further disclosed that the suspensions of ASP Edonyabor and ASP Mungo were sanctioned by the Police Service Commission (PSC) on February 29, and their salaries have been halted pending the outcome of their cases.
These officers are set to face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which deals with disciplinary issues involving senior officers.
The actions against the officers were spurred by a complaint from Harrison Gwamnishuin, a Delta State-based human rights activist. On January 19, Gwamnishuin took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to expose the officers’ alleged misconduct, which included illegal arrest and extortion.
The Rivers State Police Command has promised to provide updates on the proceedings and outcomes of the cases involving the suspended officers, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within the force.
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.”
