Police demote inspector seen in viral video ‘extorting’ motorists in Imo

The police command in Imo says it has demoted an inspector seen in a viral video allegedly extorting motorists in the state.

The incident happened along the Onitsha express road in Imo. In the video, the police officer was seen collecting money from drivers plying the road.

He was also seen handing them balance whenever the need arose.

Following the virality of the video, Henry Okoye, the Imo police spokesperson, said in a statement that the erring inspector, identified as Isong Osudueh, has been recommended for a reduction in rank.

In the statement, Okoye added that Aboki Danjuma, the Imo police commissioner, said the officer will face an orderly room trial before other disciplinary actions will be taken against him.

The statement said the supervisory officer has been issued a query.

“The erring officer, identified as Inspector Isong Osudueh, attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Owerri, has been recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings, for exhibiting such a shameful and unprofessional act, while the supervisory officer has been issued an official query for lack of supervision,” the statement reads.

“The disciplinary actions taken against the erring officer underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity among its personnel, while effectively discharging its lawful duties and entrenching public trust and confidence.”

The CP warned that on his watch, the command will not condone any act of extortion or misconduct by personnel, and warned that any supervisor who fails to carry out his oversight duties will be severely sanctioned.

On May 17, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed an inspector for ‘N29.8 million theft’ and demoted three officers over ‘extortion’ in the federal capital territory (FCT).