By Milcah Tanimu

The Rivers State Police Command has paraded three police officers for their involvement in misconduct, abduction, and extortion of over N4 million from unidentified victims in the state.

The incident came to light when a Twitter user with the handle @harrisonbbi18 reported that police officers from the Rivers State Police Command arrested a man in Aba, Abia State, and transported him through various states, demanding $3,000 in exchange for his release.

The suspects, two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) and one Inspector, were paraded at the state police headquarters in Port Harcourt. The spokesperson of the state Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of $3,000 from the officers.

According to Iringe-Koko, the victims were initially arrested in Abia State, then taken to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States for alleged fraudulent activities. The extorted amount was later recovered and returned to the victims on January 18, 2024.

The police spokesperson stated, “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 assured the public of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. The officers involved in the misconduct are facing disciplinary measures, and the Command emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and does not represent the values of the organization.