Rivers State Police Suspend Officers Involved in Extortion Scandal
Rivers State Police Suspend Officers Involved in Extortion Scandal: The Rivers State Police
Command has taken swift and decisive action against two of its officers accused of involvement
in an extortion scheme targeting two travelers in Abia State. These officers have been suspended
from duty, with their salaries suspended as well. This move comes in the wake of a disturbing incident
where three policemen, including an Inspector and two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs),
allegedly abducted two individuals in Aba, the capital of Abia State, before transporting them to
Port Harcourt and extorting $3000 from them.
Initially, the Inspector involved in the incident faced an orderly room trial and was subsequently
dismissed from duty, effective from February 7, 2024. The two ASPs implicated in the extortion
were officially queried and recommended for dismissal. However, the suspension of the ASPs was recently authorized by the Police Service Commission, indicating a further escalation of disciplinary action.
The Suspension
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the State Police Command in Port Harcourt,
the suspension was accompanied by the cessation of the officers’ salaries. Additionally, the suspended officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee, a body tasked with addressing disciplinary matters concerning senior officers.
In a statement released to the public, Iringe-Koko reiterated the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to upholding the principles of credible policing. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu, the command remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining discipline among its ranks. The statement also encouraged residents to report any instances of unprofessional behavior or misconduct displayed by police officers, emphasizing that all reports would be handled with confidentiality.
The decisive actions taken by the Rivers State Police Command serve as a strong deterrent to any officer contemplating engaging in misconduct. The command reassures the public of its continued efforts to foster a safe and secure environment for all residents of Rivers State.