Rivers Police Recommend Dismissal of Officers Involved in N4.2m Extortion

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command has recommended the dismissal of two police officers arrested for extortion of N4.2million from a victim in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, had informed the public recently that the three officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo, ASP Talent Mungo, and the Inspector Odey Michael, were arrested for unlawful abduction and extortion of the said amount from the victim.

Disu said: “The victims were arrested in Abia State taken to Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively for alleged fraud by yet-to-be-seen complainant, who was extorted of the sum of $3000, equivalent to N4,200,000.”

The police suspects were subsequently paraded for misconduct, abduction and extortion.

In the current development, on the ongoing investigation into the extortion incident involving the three police officers, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said after a thorough investigation, two officers were officially queried and recommended for dismissal as per established procedures.

According to Iringe-Koko, “This recommendation has been swiftly forwarded to the Force Secretary (FORSEC) for necessary action.

“Inspector Michael Odey’s case has progressed with the conclusion of Orderly Room Proceedings. The findings have been reviewed by AIG Alifa Omata, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Yenagoa, who has upheld the recommendation of dismissal from the Force, and has been relieved of his duty, effectively from February 7, 2024.”

The police spokesperson also disclosed that all the three officers would remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of similar nature.

She said: “The disciplinary process for Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo involves review by the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the Police Service Commission to ensure a fair and just resolution.”

The Command further assured Nigerians that all reports would be handled with utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions.