“Mr. Felix Favour, abducted at gunpoint along Aba Road, funds forcibly taken from cryptocurrency wallet and bank account NGN 3,605,000+ (incl. USD 4,000 equiv.); Mr. Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, abducted, cash extorted, gold jewellery and wristwatch stolen NGN 7,300,000+ (cash and valuables); Mr. John Godstime, abducted along NTA Road, ATM details obtained by force, account drained NGN1,500,000.00
Five police inspectors have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force due to their alleged involvement in serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and official corruption.
The announcement was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, on Thursday. The affected officers were affiliated with the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The individuals dismissed are John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu. A preliminary case has been established against these officers for conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption, and extortion. Deputy Commissioner Placid stated,
“This case reveals a pattern of criminal conduct associated with officers within the DOPS Patrol Team of the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt.”
The misconduct was brought to light through petitions submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.
Investigative findings indicated that the accused officers, while armed and operating in minibuses, routinely intercepted unsuspecting citizens during illegal stop-and-search operations.
Victims were coerced into disclosing their banking PINs and account details, subsequently resulting in unlawful transfers from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.
