Police Dismiss 3 Officers In Abia Over Abduction, Conspiracy

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has dismissed three officers for alleged conspiracy, abduction and extortion of unsuspecting victims.

The dismissed cops are Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi, with Force No. 501356, attached to Area Command, Aba.

Others are Corporal James Daniel, Force No. 511844, attached to the Department of Operations, Umuahia, and Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka, Force No. 511853, attached to Eziama, Aba Division.

The dismissals which followed administrative disciplinary measures taken by the command, according to a release by the command’s PPRO, Maureen Chinaka were effective from February 7.

Chinaka stated that “On January 29, the dismissed officers and two other civilians were apprehended by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Abayi, after they were found armed with an electric baton, assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol respectively, conspired and hired a minibus, abducted some civilians along the Port Harcourt Expressway, threatened and extorted them and thereafter demanded extra money from their families for their release.

“An investigation/ Orderly room trial was initiated by the Command and the investigation confirmed their involvement in the unprofessional conduct which are prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to their dismissal.

“Their official accoutrements have been retrieved by the Command’s Provost and they cease to be members of the force”, the release added.

Chinaka said the dismissed officers have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution with their civilian accomplices.

She reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and other unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that discipline and professionalism was the bedrock of the Nigeria Police Force.

The release assured the public that the command will not condone the activities of bad eggs in the force, adding that the command under the leadership of Isa remains committed to the vision of the Inspector General of Police in ensuring a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force.

Kristina Reports investigation reveals that before now, cases of policemen abducting and extorting civilians in Aba in the guise of arrest was rampant.

It was gathered that the modus operandi of the policemen was to hire a commercial bus, in collaboration with the driver, pretend to be looking for passengers.

It was equally gathered that some unsuspecting residents who board such bus, would be taken to a police station or a location where they would be declared arrested for thumped up offences and forced to pay various amounts of money for bail.

For those who had no money to pay immediately for their freedom, have their relations contacted who would pay a stipulated amount before their loved ones are released.

The dismissals which followed administrative disciplinary measures taken by the command, according to a release by the command’s PPRO, Maureen Chinaka were effective from February 7.

Chinaka stated that “On January 29, the dismissed officers and two other civilians were apprehended by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Abayi, after they were found armed with an electric baton, assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol respectively, conspired and hired a minibus, abducted some civilians along the Port Harcourt Expressway, threatened and extorted them and thereafter demanded extra money from their families for their release.

“An investigation/ Orderly room trial was initiated by the Command and the investigation confirmed their involvement in the unprofessional conduct which are prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to their dismissal.

“Their official accoutrements have been retrieved by the Command’s Provost and they cease to be members of the force”, the release added.

Chinaka said the dismissed officers have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution with their civilian accomplices.

She reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and other unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that discipline and professionalism was the bedrock of the Nigeria Police Force.

The release assured the public that the command will not condone the activities of bad eggs in the force, adding that the command under the leadership of Isa remains committed to the vision of the Inspector General of Police in ensuring a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force.

Kristina Reports investigation reveals that before now, cases of policemen abducting and extorting civilians in Aba in the guise of arrest was rampant.

It was gathered that the modus operandi of the policemen was to hire a commercial bus, in collaboration with the driver, pretend to be looking for passengers.

It was equally gathered that some unsuspecting residents who board such bus, would be taken to a police station or a location where they would be declared arrested for thumped up offences and forced to pay various amounts of money for bail.

For those who had no money to pay immediately for their freedom, have their relations contacted who would pay a stipulated amount before their loved ones are released