By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Police Command has relieved an Inspector, Michael Odey of his duties for involvement in the extortion of $3,000 from two men.
The Command also recommended that two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo be dismissed following their involvement in the crime.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The trio it was learnt, abducted the two men, believed to be businessmen, from Aba in Abia State and brought them to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where they were forced to transfer the said amount to the wallet of one of the officers.
Iringe-Koko in the statement said the dismissal of the Inspector was the outcome of the Orderly Room proceedings carried out by the Command.
She said that while Odey’s dismissal was reviewed and upheld by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, AIG Alifa Omata, the recommendation for the dismissal of Edonyabo and Mungo, who had been queried, will be reviewed by the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
She used the medium to urge Rivers people to promptly report issues of misconduct by officers of the command, assuring that all information shall be treated with utmost confidence and seriousness.
Part of the statement reads: “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 (FORSEC) 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 7th February 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 (ASPs) 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.
“For further information or to report incidents, please contact the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer.”
