Rivers Police Detain Officers Accused of Extorting Motorists in Viral Video
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested Police Officers allegedly caught extorting motorists in a viral video circulating online.
The Officers, said to be attached to the Old GRA Police Station in Port Harcourt, were accused of demanding money from motorists, particularly drivers with tinted vehicle windows.
Global Mirror News gathered that the video was reportedly recorded by an activist, Comrade Phils, who alleged that the Officers operated around the Old GRA axis near the Rivers State Government House and the residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to the allegations, the Officers allegedly ignored valid tinted glass permits, including factory-fitted tinted windows, and demanded cash payments from motorists. It was further claimed that the officers demanded as much as N100,000 from some drivers.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo, said the command had taken note of the viral video and had commenced an investigation into the allegations.
Kaborlo said the officers involved had been arrested, adding that anyone found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with the law and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act.
The Command said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, had reiterated that extortion, illegal collection of money and other forms of unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated.
“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,” the statement said.
“He emphasised 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 assured residents of Rivers State that the investigation would be thorough, transparent and impartial, stressing that any officer found guilty would be sanctioned accordingly.
Global Mirror News reports that the incident has again raised concerns over allegations of extortion and harassment of motorists by some police officers across the Country.
