Mohammed Shosanya
The Rivers State Police Command has paraded three officers arrested for extorting two Aba-based businessmen the sum of $3000.
The arrested officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Doubara Edonyabo; Assistant Superintendent of Police Talent Mungo, and Inspector Odey Michael.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters, Moscow road, Port Harcourt on Monday,the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu said the police officers have since been subjected to an orderly room trial and the extorted sums had been recovered and returned to the owners.
Disu, who was represented by the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said deliberate steps were taken to apprehend the officers involved in the crime, adding that a thorough investigation was conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding the case.
Disu said: “Following a comprehensive inquiry, it has been established that the actions of the officers in question were in clear violation of the law and the ethical standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force. As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken to address this grave misconduct.
“The Rivers State Police Command is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. The behaviour exhibited by the implicated officers is completely unacceptable and does not represent the values and principles of our organization.
“We deeply regret the negative impact that such misconduct may have on the reputation of the Rivers State Command and the Nigeria Police Force in general.”
“In response to these regrettable events, the two officers have been issued with official queries, and the inspector has been slated for an orderly room trial.
He said:“Additionally, to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, the Rivers State Police Command has decided to publicly parade the officers before the press to underscore the seriousness with which we view this matter.”
The state Commissioner of Police however emphasised that the bad actions of a few bad officers should not be allowed overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the majority of other officers who are diligently serving with honour and distinction.
Disu noted that the Inspector General of Police has consistently articulated a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct within the force, stressing that this incident does not reflect the aspirations of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
He assured that the Rivers State Police Command will remain resolute in its commitment to serving and protecting the community with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
He further urged the public to continue to have faith in the Nigeria Police Force as the command continues to maintain the trust and confidence of the citizens it swore to serve.
