By Gabriel Ameh
Police Dismiss Officers Over Alleged Kidnapping, Robbery, Extortion in Rivers
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested and initiated prosecution against several officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.
The Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that the affected officers were linked to cases bordering on conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and unlawful operations carried out within Rivers State and nearby areas.
According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving officers attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa. The officers identified were Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
Police authorities alleged that the officers carried out illegal stop-and-search operations in Port Harcourt, during which victims were reportedly abducted and forced to transfer money from their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
The Force further disclosed that three other officers Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
Investigators reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside the sum of N7,338,800 believed to be proceeds linked to the criminal activities.
In a separate case, the police also identified another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, over allegations of kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The officers Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu were dismissed following internal disciplinary proceedings, while their case has been forwarded for prosecution.
The Nigeria Police Force said the action reflects the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to sanitise the institution and rid it of criminal elements.
“The leadership of the Force under the Inspector-General of Police remains resolute in its determination to identify, expose and remove criminal elements from within the institution,” the statement adde
