By Abimbola Ogunnaike
A police Inspector, Michael Odey, has been dismissed by the Rivers State Police Command over his involvement in a $3,000 extortion case.
It was gathered that Odey, alongside two Assistant Superintendents of Police, Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo, were accused of kidnapping and extorting two men.
Afterwards, the three officers whisked their unsuspecting victims to three states before dispossessing them of the said amount, equivalent of N4.2 million.
However, the state police command, through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the money has been recovered and handed over to the owners.
Iringe-Koko, in a statement released on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024 in Port Harcourt, the state capital, confirmed that Odey had been dismissed from the police after the conclusion of orderly room proceedings.
According to her, the two ASPs have been recommended for dismissal but will be reviewed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for a “fair and just resolution.”
The statement titled, ‘Update: Rivers State Police Command addresses extortion case involving three police officers.’ read, “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 commitment 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 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 has been relieved of his duty, effective February 7, 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 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, all reports will be handled with the utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will be taken to uphold fairness and justice,” the spokesperson added.
