Five dismissed Rivers police inspectors to face trial over alleged robbery, kidnapping

Five dismissed inspectors formerly attached to the Rivers State Police Command are set to face prosecution over allegations bordering on armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and criminal conspiracy.

The officers were reportedly dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after investigations linked them to a series of criminal activities allegedly carried out across Rivers State between September 2025 and January 2026.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, quoting the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.

The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.

According to the police, the case came to light following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several alleged victims.

Police authorities alleged that the dismissed inspectors operated using minibusses and carried out illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting residents were reportedly held at gunpoint.

The statement alleged that victims were forced to disclose banking details and passcodes before money was transferred from their accounts.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts,” the statement said.

The police further alleged that the suspects falsely identified themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion.

Investigators also claimed that the group abducted a male victim along Aba Road and allegedly dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

Another victim was reportedly kidnapped and stripped of more than N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third individual allegedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

According to the statement, an orderly room trial found the officers culpable, leading to their dismissal from the police force with immediate effect.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” the police said.

The Force spokesman added that the case file had already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.

The police also reiterated their commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.