Police denies releasing 3 officers accused of kidnapping, extorting $3,000 in Rivers

The Rivers has dismissed reports on the release of three officers accused of kidnapping and extorting $3,000 from two victims in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified the issue in a statement on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

She said: “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral publication circulating on social media and online platforms regarding the alleged release of the three officers.

“The report claims that three officers of the command who were arrested for abducting and extorting two young men are now free and have not been prosecuted.

“The information was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Harrison Gwamnishu, the Labour Party candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly (in the 2023 general elections).”

She said the officers have not been released and are providing useful information on the allegations against them contrary to the report.

READ ALSO: Gunmen kill leader of community group in Rivers

“We want to state categorically that the allegation of their release is untrue, malicious, and misleading.

“The officers – ASP Doubara Edonyabo; ASP Talent Mungo; and Insp. Odey Michael – are presently detained at the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The officers are currently at the SCID undergoing the standard disciplinary process of the police,” Iringe-Koko added.

She stressed that the officers took part in an identification parade at the SCID on February 2 about a fresh complaint filed against them.

The spokesperson, therefore, urged the people of the state to ignore the report and assured them of timely updates on the outcome of a disciplinary on the matter.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now