Trending 
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five inspectors over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy carried out across parts of the state.
The dismissal was announced by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt through the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.
According to Placid, the dismissed officers allegedly operated a criminal network between September 2025 and January 2026.
The officers named in the statement are John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
The police said the case came to light after petitions were submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several victims who accused the officers of operating illegal stop-and-search activities across Rivers State.
Placid explained that the officers allegedly used minibuses to intercept unsuspecting residents at gunpoint while pretending to carry out official police duties. He said the victims were forced to surrender their banking details and passcodes before money was 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,” Placid said.
He further alleged that the officers falsely identified themselves as operatives attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa in a bid to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion during their operations.
Investigations also reportedly uncovered multiple abduction incidents linked to the group. One victim was allegedly kidnapped along Aba Road and dispossessed of more than N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from a cryptocurrency wallet. Another victim reportedly lost over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim was said to have been robbed of N1.5 million along NTA Road.
Following their arrest, the police said an orderly room trial found the officers culpable, leading to their immediate dismissal from the force.
“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” Placid added.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.
