Imo: Police arrest inspector, two others over viral extortion video
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a traffic warden and two State Civil Guard Corps personnel over the alleged harassment and extortion of a motorist in Owerri.
The operatives were captured in a viral video recorded by a car occupant while allegedly harassing and extorting a driver over the absence of a driver’s licence.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, said the three operatives had been identified and arrested.
They were identified as Inspector Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, and two State Civil Guard Corps personnel, Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike. They are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The command condemned their alleged conduct, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit to investigate the incident.
The police urged the affected motorist to report to the unit and provide relevant information to aid the investigation, adding that appropriate disciplinary action would follow its conclusion.
The Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement.
Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command is aware of a viral video in which a police traffic warden and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps were captured harassing and extorting a motorist allegedly driving without a driver’s licence in Owerri on October 8.
“The Command strongly condemns the conduct depicted in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel.
“The police officer involved has been identified as Inspector Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, while the two State Civil Guard Corps personnel have been identified as Mr Kelechi Nzediagwu and Mr Onyedikachi Chibuike. They are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, has directed the Command’s Complaint Response (CRU) Unit to investigate the incident. The affected motorist is urged to report to the unit and provide relevant information to assist the investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will follow upon its conclusion.
“The Command reiterates that no traffic violation justifies extortion, harassment, or abuse of office. All personnel have been warned to discharge their duties in accordance with the law and treat members of the public with respect.
“The Command urges members of the public to report incidents of police misconduct through the appropriate channels and assures them that allegations of misconduct will be treated seriously.”
Credit – Punch
