By Abiola Olawale
The Abia State Police Command has taken disciplinary action against three of its officers, sacking them for alleged involvement in abduction and extortion.
This action was confirmed by the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, who stated that the officers were sacked for discreditable conduct, specifically conspiracy, abduction, and extortion of unsuspecting victims.
A statement also issued by the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, revealed that the sacked officers are Jonas Nnamdi, James Daniel, and Ifeanyi Emeka.
Chinaka said Nnamdi was a sergeant attached to Police Area Command in Aba, while Daniel, a corporal, was attached to the Department of Operations of the police in Umuahia and Emeka, also a corporal, was attached to Eziama Divisional Police Headquarters in the state.
She said the three officers were arrested on January 29 after they were found to be armed with an electric baton, an assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol.
Chinaka added that the officers were apprehended alongside two other unnamed civilians by a divisional police officer in the Abayi Area of the state.
The statement reads in part: “The officers allegedly conspired and hired a minibus, abducted some civilians along Port Harcourt Expressway, threatened and extorted them and thereafter demanded extra money from their families for their release.
“An investigation/orderly room trial was initiated by the (state police) command, and the investigation confirmed their involvement in the unprofessional conduct which is prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to their dismissal.
“Their official accoutrements have been retrieved by the command’s Provost, and they cease to be members of the force.”
The police spokesperson said the sacked officers and their civilian accomplices have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.
