Police dismiss Inspector, recommend dismissal of 2 ASPs
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police authorities have announced the dismissal of Inspector Michael Odey based in Rivers over extortion of $3,000 from travellers.
Rivers State Police Command, which made the disclosure, said two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) involved in the crimes have been queried and recommended for dismissal according to procedure.
The three officers were arrested and detained for allegedly kidnapping and extorting $3,000 (about N4.2 million) from two unidentified travellers in December 2023.
State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, an ASP, confirmed the dismissal of the Inspector and the recommendation for the dismissal of the two ASPs in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
She said Odey’s dismissal followed the conclusion of an orderly room trial by the command.
She explained the ASPs were recommended for dismissal and their cases forwarded to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
“The Rivers State Police Command is issuing an update regarding an ongoing investigation into an extortion incident involving three police officers,” the statement said.
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Commitment to transparency, accountability
“As part of our commitments 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,” the statement added.
“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.”
Iringe-Koko said the findings have been reviewed by Alifa Omata, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa who upheld the recommendation of dismissal effective February 7.
“All three officers remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of a 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.
Iringe-Koko promised all reports would be handled with the utmost seriousness and appropriate actions taken to ensure fairness and justice.