The police in Abuja have arrested some of its officers for extorting N30 million from a citizen.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed on Friday that the errant officers were arrested by operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad.
Adejobi said the Force discovered the extortion through the X platform, and it arrested and detained the officers and their accomplices, who first fled as the investigation got underway.
“The Nigeria Police wishes to reveal and announce that significant progress has been made in apprehending the officers and their accomplices responsible for this unprofessional conduct as the squad who initially escaped upon commencement of investigations have been arrested and are currently in custody.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as part of his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, has ordered the commencement of disciplinary proceedings to ensure that justice is served swiftly and decisively,” Adejobi said.
It added that the disciplinary measure was to emphasise the zero-tolerance stance of the NPF towards any form of misconduct or corruption among its ranks.’
Adejobi said the IGP also emphasised the imperativeness of those found to have violated the trust placed in them by the public to face the full consequences of their actions, as such behaviour not only tarnished the reputation of the Force but also undermined the collective efforts to maintain law and order in the country.
“The NPF recognises that transparency and accountability are paramount in maintaining public trust and will continue to take decisive action against any misconduct within our ranks,” the statement added.
Last week, the police sacked a certain Inspector Michael Odey for extorting a man of $3,000 in Rivers State.
His dismissal came a month after the conclusion of his orderly room trial.
Odey was one of the three police officers charged with extorting $3,000 from a man in the state.
The officer’s dismissal was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko.
The statement said the recommendations for firing the other two Assistant Superintendent Police (ASPs) charged with Odey had also been sent to the Inspector General of Police’s Office due to their rank.