By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the immediate arrest and detention of a team of police officers caught on camera allegedly extorting money from motorists in the state.
The trouble started after a social media activist, Comrade Phils, shared a trending video exposing the officers’ activities online. The team, operating from the Old GRA Police Station, was spotted targeting drivers near the Rivers State Government House and close to the residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to the complaints, the police team systematically targeted motorists, particularly those driving vehicles with tinted windscreens. The officers, allegedly led by ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, reportedly disregarded valid tinted glass permits, including factory-fitted ones, and aggressively demanded cash payments starting from ₦100,000.
Reacting swiftly to the public outrage, the spokesperson for the command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo, issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju. He confirmed that the command had taken full cognisance of the viral video and the heavy allegations making the rounds on social media.
Consequently, CP Adepoju has ordered the immediate arrest, detention, and a thorough investigation into the professional misconduct of ASP Geoffrey and his team members.
The command stated that it views the allegations with utmost seriousness, describing such behavior as completely inconsistent with the core values, ethics, and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
Reiterating his stance on discipline, the Commissioner of Police emphasized that extortion, illegal collection of money, and any form of unprofessional conduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He assured the public that the command remains fully committed to ensuring that its officers promote public trust, accountability, and respect for human rights.
CP Adepoju further promised that the investigation will be transparent and impartial, warning that any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary action in line with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has appreciated members of the public for bringing the incident to light. Citizens are strongly encouraged to continue reporting cases of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office through the police command’s established complaint channels.
