The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of several police officers allegedly involved in conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing and abuse of office in Rivers State and surrounding areas.
The Force said the actions of the affected officers amounted to a serious violation of the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement, the leadership of the Force under the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, accountability and institutional reform.
The police said investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.
The officers identified were Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis and Inspector Olayemi Titus, who were allegedly involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while carrying out illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt.
According to the police, the officers abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and allegedly forced them to grant access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications before extorting millions of naira from them.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other suspects identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
The police disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations and the sum of ₦7,338,800 traced to the criminal activities.
Investigators also alleged that the suspects operated with firearms and had carried out similar operations against residents in Rivers State.
In a separate case, the Force said it uncovered another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Police Command.
The officers named were Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.
The police accused the officers of engaging in organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing and official corruption while operating under the guise of official patrol duties.
According to the statement, the officers allegedly abducted citizens, extorted money through unlawful bank and cryptocurrency transfers and dispossessed victims of valuables.
The five officers were subsequently subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
The Force added that the case file had been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The police also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, extortion and human rights violations through official complaint channels.
The statement reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professional, transparent and accountable policing rooted in the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.
