The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the arrest and detention of police officers captured in a viral video allegedly extorting money from motorists in the state.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday on behalf of the Commissioner for Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The statement said the command had taken cognisance of the video and social media reports alleging that ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey and other officers were involved in extorting members of the public while on duty.
The case erupted after social media activist Comrade Phils publicly accused a team of officers from the Old GRA Police Station, near the Rivers State Government House and close to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s residence, of systematically targeting motorists, particularly those with tinted windscreens.
According to the complaints, the officers, allegedly led by ASP Geoffrey, disregarded valid tinted glass permits, including factory-fitted ones, and demanded cash payments starting from ₦100,000.
In its statement, the state police command said it “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 into the allegation,” the statement read.
It added, “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. He emphasised that the Command remains committed to ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust, accountability and respect for human rights.
“CP Adepoju assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent and impartial. Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act.
“The Rivers State Police Command appreciates members of the public for bringing such incidents to its attention and encourages citizens to continue reporting cases of misconduct, corruption and abuse of office through the established complaint channels.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to professional policing, discipline, integrity and quality service delivery to all residents of Rivers State.”
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