The police commissioner in Rivers, Gbenga Adepoju, has ordered the arrest and detention of some officers caught in a viral video on Monday, extorting a motorist.
In the video, two officers occupied the motorist’s vehicle while another officer at one of the vehicle doors collected from the victim an amount yet to be ascertained, which he handed over to one of his colleagues in the vehicle, who in turn gave him the seized vehicle papers for him to return to the victim.
Condemning the unprofessional act by the errant officers, Mr Adepoju, in a statement shared on X on Tuesday by the command spokesperson, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said that an investigation into the alleged extortion has already commenced.
The statement said, “The Rivers state police command has taken cognisance of a video and reports circulating on social media alleging that ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey and other police officers were involved in extorting money from members of the public while carrying out their duties.
“The command views the allegations with utmost seriousness, as such conduct is inconsistent with the core values, ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force. Consequently, the commissioner of police, Rivers State command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has ordered their arrest, detention and immediate investigation of the allegation.
“The commissioner of police reiterates that extortion, illegal collection of money and any form of unprofessional conduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Mr Adepoju assured that “the investigation will be thorough, transparent and impartial”, adding that “any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act”.
The command appreciated members of the public for bringing such incidents to their attention and encouraged citizens to keep reporting cases of police misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office through the established complaint channels.
