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The Rivers State Police Command has said one of its officers identified as Inspector Michael Odey has been dismissed for engaging in extortion.
Also, two other operatives involved in the act had been queried and recommended for dismissal according to established procedures.
The three operatives – Inspector Michael Odey and two Assistant Superintendent of Police, Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo – were arrested and detained for allegedly kidnapping and extorting $3000 from two travellers in December 2023.
The three police officers, who claimed to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), threatened to take the victims to Lagos zonal command.
The victims were said to have been taken to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states by the police officers who accused them of committing fraud.
The police officers allegedly extorted $3,000 from the two travellers.
The victims reported the case to police authorities after which the three officers were arrested. The money was recovered from them and handed over to the victims.
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, Feb. 14.
Iringe-Koko said the disciplinary process for the two ASPs involves the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
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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