FIVE DISMISSED RIVERS POLICE INSPECTORS TO FACE TRIAL OVER ALLEGED ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Five dismissed inspectors formerly attached to the Rivers State Police Command are set to be prosecuted over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and criminal conspiracy.

The ex-officers were reportedly dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after investigations connected them to a string of criminal activities allegedly committed across Rivers State between September 2025 and January 2026.

The development was revealed in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, who quoted the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.

The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.

According to the police, the matter came to public attention following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several alleged victims.

Police authorities alleged that the dismissed inspectors operated with minibuses and carried out illegal stop-and-search operations, during which unsuspecting residents were allegedly held at gunpoint.

The statement further claimed that victims were compelled to reveal their banking details and passcodes before funds were transferred from their accounts.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts,” the statement read.

The police also alleged that the suspects falsely presented themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion.

Investigators further claimed that the group abducted a male victim along Aba Road and allegedly stole more than N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

Another victim was reportedly kidnapped and dispossessed of over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third individual allegedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

According to the statement, an orderly room trial found the officers guilty of misconduct, leading to their immediate dismissal from the police force.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” the police stated.

The Force spokesman added that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with formal charges expected to be filed within 30 days.

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.