Police dismiss seven officers over ‘extortion’ in Imo

The police command in Imo state has announced the dismissal of seven police officers over alleged extortion of a resident.

The dismissed officers are identified as Ohakim Chibuzo, Irome Finian, George Osueke, Kelechi Onuegbu, Nwagoro Isidore, Nwadike Stephen, and Ihemtuge Plastidus.

According to the police, the officers were arrested recently at a bank in Umuahia, Abia state, while attempting to extort money from the resident.

Michael Abattam, Imo police spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the dismissed police officers have been charged to court.

“It will be recalled, that the ex-policemen were arrested on 08/11/2022 at about 1300hrs, in a bank at Umuahia, Abia state, in the course of performing illegal duty outside their jurisdiction and conspiracy to extort money from an innocent victim,” Abattam said.

“They were defaulted, tried and found guilty of the charges levelled against them, thus were summarily dismissed and charged to magistrate court, Owerri with charge sheet number: no. OW/746C/2022.

“Consequently, the commissioner of police, has directed all area commanders, heads of departments (HODs), divisional police officers (DPO) and tactical team commanders of the various units in the command to ensure their subordinates are warned against indulging in these sharp practices as any police officer found complicit will be made to face disciplinary actions.

“Furthermore, he directed the officers in charge of the inspector-general of police X-Squad Unit and the commissioner of police monitoring unit to commence high-level monitoring of the police officers within and outside the metropolis in order to forestall any unprofessional conduct by police officers.

“He further warned officers and men to be professional and uphold international standard best practices in the discharge of their duty.”