PSC approves suspension of two ASPs for ‘extorting $3,000’ from travellers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the suspension of two assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) – Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo – over alleged involvement in a $3,000 extortion case.

In January, three police officers were arrested over the abduction and extortion of two travellers.

The travellers were allegedly kidnapped by the police officers while driving along the Aba-Owerri road in Abia state.

The officers involved are Michael Odey, an inspector, as well as Edonyabo and Mungo.

The three police officers, who claimed to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), threatened to take the travellers to the Lagos zonal command.

The travellers were said to have been forced to pay $3,000 to the police officers.

They later reported the case to the police authorities, after which the three officers were arrested.

TheCable understands that the money was recovered from them and handed over to the victims.

Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights activist, had used his social media platforms to demand justice for the victims.

In February, the Rivers police command announced the dismissal of Odey over the alleged extortion.

The police said the disciplinary process for Edonyabo and Mungo involves the input of the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the PSC because of their rank.

However, the officers were queried and recommended for dismissal.

THE SUSPENSION

In a statement on Sunday, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers police spokesperson, said the officers are expected to appear before the force disciplinary committee (FDC).

“Today, we hereby inform the public that the Police Service Commission has officially authorized the suspension from duty of ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, effective from 29/02/2024,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, the salaries of the implicated officers have been stopped.

“The two officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is responsible for addressing disciplinary issues involving senior officers. Update would soon be given on other cases involving these officers.”