The Rivers State Police Command on Monday, expressed regret over the involvement of two of its senior officers and an Inspector in the abduction of two businessmen who regained their freedom from captivity after paying a ransom of N4.2million ($3,000).
Messrs Kalu Nnana and Uwaka Ifeanyi, two residents of Aba, Abia State who drove into a petrol retail outlet – Ecko Filling station along Aba –Owerri road to refuel at about 8.pm on Monday, January 15, ended up in captivity after they were rounded up by five men who claimed to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Scudnews learned that after seizing the duo, the men who merely flashed identity cards supposedly of the anti-graft agency told them that they would be driven to the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC through Delta State en route to Lagos for an ongoing investigation involving them.
But their pleas for mercy allegedly resulted in a negotiation for payment of a ransom of 3,000 USD (N4.2million) which was reportedly paid before they were released at an unidentified location in the GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
After regaining their freedom at about 3.pm on January 16, sources said the victims narrated their ordeal to the police, prompting an investigation into the incident by a team of detectives led by the Commander of an Intelligence and Surveillance Unit of the Rivers State Police Command.
However, it turned that two senior police officers identified Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo, both Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, and Odey Michael, an Inspector of Police, were among the five men who allegedly abducted Ifeanyi and Nnana.
Ironically, while the two senior police officers allegedly involved in abduction were attached to the same Intelligence and Surveillance Unit investigating the crime, the Inspector of Police, Odey, is attached to the Rivers State Police Command.
However, parading the police officers on Monday, Rivers State police commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, who had ordered the arrest and detention of the trio, described the involvement of the officers in the act of abduction as distressing.
Speaking through Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, SP, and Public Relations Officer of the state police command, he however said the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the vast majority of our officers who serve with honor and distinction.
“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has taken decisive action in response to a distressing incident involving the unlawful abduction and extortion of two young men by three of our officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo, ASP Talent Mungo and the Inspector Odey Michael.
“The victims were arrested in Abia State, taken to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states respectively for alleged fraud by yet to-be-seen complainant. They were extorted of the sum of $3000 USDT, equivalent to four million, two hundred thousand naira (N 4,200,000.00).
“Immediate steps were taken to apprehend the officers involved, and a thorough investigation was conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. The extorted money was recovered and released to the victims on 18th January 2024.
“As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken to address this grave misconduct. The Rivers State Police Command is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability”.
Iringi-Koko described as “completely unacceptable” the behavior exhibited by the implicated officers saying they do not represent the values and principles of the force.
“We deeply regret the negative impact that such misconduct may have on the reputation of the Rivers State Command and the Nigeria Police Force in general.
“In response to these regrettable events, the two officers have been issued with official queries, and the inspector has been slated for an orderly room trial.
“Additionally, to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, the Rivers State Police Command has decided to publicly parade the officers before the press to underscore the seriousness with which we view this matter.
“It is important to emphasize that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifice of the vast majority of our officers who serve with honor and distinction.
“The Inspector General of Police has consistently articulated a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct within the force, and this incident does not reflect the aspirations of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
“The Rivers State Police Command reassures the public that we remain resolute in our commitment to serving and protecting the community with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
“We urge the public to continue to have faith in the Nigeria Police Force as we strive to maintain the trust and confidence of the citizens we are sworn to serve”.
*With additional report from The Nation
