The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended three female officers—Inspector Sarah Anendei, Inspector Caroline Promise, and Inspector Christiana Jatau—for allegedly extorting motorists in Port Harcourt. Their arrests occurred under the Rumuokoro flyover in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where they reportedly operated an unauthorized checkpoint.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, these officers had been involved in illegal activities for some time. The arrests were confirmed by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Police, who stated that the command had been monitoring their actions following multiple complaints from the public.
During the operation on October 29, 2024, a team from the Commissioner of Police’s Monitoring Unit observed the officers engaging in corrupt practices against innocent motorists. Notably, two of the arrested officers were not in uniform at the time of their arrest, which violates police regulations.
Evidence and Investigation
The officers were caught on video during the incident, which served as evidence of their misconduct. Upon investigation at the scene, operatives discovered cash that had been extorted from motorists in their possession. Iringe-Koko emphasized the police command’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining public trust by swiftly addressing corrupt practices within the force.
Conclusion
The Rivers State Police Command’s prompt action in arresting these officers highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the police force. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and ethical conduct in law enforcement, aiming to restore public confidence in the police’s role in ensuring safety and justice.