Extortion case in Rivers state.
The Rivers State Police Command announced the dismissal of Inspector Michael Odey for his involvement in extortion, with two other officers, Assistant Superintendent of Police Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo, also facing dismissal following an established inquiry process.
The trio, posing as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives, allegedly kidnapped and extorted $3,000 from two travelers in December 2023, threatening to take them to the Lagos zonal command.
After being accused of fraud, the victims were transported across Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states by the officers.
Upon reporting the incident to authorities, the three officers were apprehended, and the extorted money was recovered and returned to the victims.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the dismissal of Inspector Michael Odey and the recommendation for the dismissal of the two ASPs in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Iringe-Koko stated that the disciplinary process for the two ASPs involves the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
According to the statement,
“The Rivers State Police Command is issuing an update regarding an ongoing investigation into an extortion incident involving three police officers.
As part of our commitments to transparency and accountability, we are providing the following information:
After a thorough investigation, two officers have been officially queried and recommended for dismissal as per established procedures.
This recommendation has been swiftly forwarded to the Force Secretary for necessary action.
Inspector Michael Odey’s case has progressed with the conclusion of Orderly Room Proceedings.”
The state police PRO further stated that the findings had been reviewed by AIG Alifa Omata, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Yenagoa, who had upheld the recommendation of dismissal from the Force and had been relieved of his duty effective February 7, 2024.
Grace Iringe-Koko emphasized that “All three officers remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of a similar nature.
Updates on these investigations will be provided in due course.
The disciplinary process for Assistant Superintendents of Police Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo involves review by the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission, ensuring a fair and just resolution.”
She further highlighted the Rivers State Police Command’s encouragement for residents to promptly report any misconduct by law enforcement agents.
Iringe-Koko assured that all reports would be handled with the utmost seriousness, pledging that appropriate actions would be taken to uphold fairness and justice.
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