Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has criticised the recent extortion claims levelled against several officers around the country.
He especially mentioned a recent incident involving officers from the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
In this case, cops named as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine were accused of extorting N10 million from certain youths.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the money was recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16.
The officers have been imprisoned and will face an orderly room trial.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct. The Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.”
“The IGP has, however, reassured the general public that the Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers thoroughly,” Adejobi said.
He added that the IGP had ordered severe punishments for officers found guilty of misconduct.
Adejobi added, “In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force.”
“The IGP further urges members of the public to make use of the following Police helpline and contacts to lodge complaints whenever necessary.”
