Police dismiss officer for ‘justifying extortion’

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed one Richard Gele, a police inspector, who was captured in a video “justifying extortion”.

In a video that went viral recently, the officer was seen addressing explaining why there he had no issue with extortion.

“I don’t hide it. My former commander said if I want to collect money, I should collect what I can share with him, and he would defend me,” the officer said in pidgin English.

The officer’s comments had drawn criticism, after which the NPF said he had been ordered to report to the force headquarters.

In a statement on Friday, Muyiwa Adejobi, NPF spokesman, said Gele, who joined the force in 2000, will face prosecution after dismissal.

“The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed one Mr. Richard Gele, the Police Inspector caught in a viral video dignifying and justifying extortion of members of the public and official corruption which trended from the 25th of July, 2022,” the statement reads.

“The Inspector, with AP/No. 188547, who until his dismissal was attached to Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, Okene, Kogi State, and deployed to the Itobe-Anyigba road, for safety of road users and commuters, along the route, where the incident occurred.

“The dismissed Inspector who hails from Benue State, was enlisted into the Force in September 2000.

“His dismissal came after subjection to internal disciplinary mechanism and being found wanting of the charges levelled against him in line with extant laws governing the conduct of police personnel.

“He, therefore, ceases to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect. The officer has been de-kitted and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, for further necessary action.”

Adejobi also said Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP),  warned all personnel to “eschew extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption and other inappropriate acts”.

“The IGP urged them to display exemplary courage and patriotism in the discharge of their duties,” the spokesman added.