The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the arrest of a squad of officers caught in a viral video extorting motorists at Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
The squad, led by one ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, were reported to have turned the area into extortion hotspot where motorists were forced to pay as much as N100,000 when flagged down by the officers.
As captured in the video shared on X on Monday, one of the officers identified as Okere, the deputy team leader, could be seen collect a wad of Naira note from a motorist discreetly recording them with a hidden camera.
The motorist was alleged to have been extorted after been detained for hours despite having all valid and up-to-date vehicle papers.
The squad, according to the post, operate a “modi operandi” where cash payments are demanded instead of transfers, with negotiations reportedly handled by the team lead, ASP Geoffrey, who then directs payments to Okere.
Reacting to the video in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Rivers Police Command ‘s spokesperson, Agabe Blessing, said the commissioner had ordered the arrest and detention of the officers.
The command condemned the act which, according to Agabe, is currently under investigation.
“The Command views the allegations with utmost seriousness, as such conduct, is inconsistent with the core values, ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has ordered for their arrest, detention and immediate investigation of the allegation.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that extortion, illegal collection of money and any form of unprofessional conduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“He emphasized that the Command remains committed to ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust, accountability and respect for human rights.
“CP Adepoju assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent and impartial.” The statement partly read.
The command warned that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act.