The Rivers State Police Command has taken decisive action against officers involved in the extortion of $3,000 from two men, leading to the dismissal of Inspector Michael Odey and the recommendation for the dismissal of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo.
The trio had abducted two businessmen from Aba in Abia State and brought them to Port Harcourt, where they forced them to transfer the said amount to the wallet of one of the officers.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the dismissal of Inspector Odey was the outcome of the Orderly Room proceedings, with the decision being reviewed and upheld by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, AIG Alifa Omata.
The recommendation for the dismissal of Edonyabo and Mungo, who had been queried, will be reviewed by the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The statement emphasised the commitment to transparency and accountability, with the swift forwarding of the recommendation for dismissal 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 relieved of his duty, Effective 7th February 2024.
“It is important to note that all three Officers remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of similar nature. Updates on these investigations will be provided in due course
“The disciplinary process for Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo involves review by the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission, ensuring a fair and just resolution.
“The Rivers State Police Command encourages residents to promptly report any misconduct by law enforcement agents. Be rest assured, that all reports will be handled with the utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will be taken to uphold fairness and justice.
“For further information or to report incidents, please contact the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer.” it read in part.
