Story from Rabi’atu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four police officers recorded while extorting money from travellers along Adogo-Okene road.
The CP, Idrisu Dabban, in a statement signed by the Command’s image maker, DSP William Ayah, disclosed that the officers, who allegedly extorted the sum of N25,000 from a traveller and physically assaulted another, have been identified and currently in detention.
The statement reads: “The Kogi State Police Command has commenced investigations into a trending video where police personnel attached to Adogo Division, while on patrol duty along Adogo-Okene road, reportedly extorted N25,000 from a traveller while another was physically assaulted by one of the men in uniform.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, Idrisu Dauda Dabban, while condemning the incident, noted that the police officers have been identified and detained at the State Criminal Investigations Department.
“The officers are: ASP Isah Barnabas, Inspector Ifediegwu Godwin, Sgt Emmanuel Ochima and Cpl. Umameh Mathias, who physically assaulted one of the travellers.
“The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been issued an official query while the three other junior officers are currently undergoing orderly room trial (Police internal disciplinary actions).
“The CP further noted that the Command is doing its best to establish contact with the victims. He enjoined the victims to reach out to the Command thorough 08107899269.
“He assured that any of the officers found wanting in the investigations would be dealt with accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has commended the police command in the state for fishing out its operatives caught on video assaulting and extorting travellers in the state.
In a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Governor Bello commended the police command for heeding his call to identify and arrest the officers
“As a Government, we are pleased with the swift intervention of the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Idrisu Dauda Dabban on the matter. We are aware the unprofessional Officers have been identified, apprehended and would be tried immediately.
“As a Government led by young people, we believe Police brutality against the youth is a thing we must kick against in view of our recent history as a nation.
“The Government of Kogi State will follow up on this case to ensure justice is served and served adequately to signal a deterrent for possible future occurrence.
“Our nation will only thrive when the rights of the citizens are respected and protected. This is what the administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello stands for in Kogi State and his wish for Nigeria”.
