Imo police detain inspector and two civil guards over alleged motorist extortion

Imo police say an inspector and two State Civil Guard Corps personnel have been detained over alleged harassment and extortion of a motorist in Owerri.

The command said the incident took place on October 8 and involved a driver allegedly stopped over the absence of a driving licence.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye identified the detained personnel in a statement reported by Punch as Inspector Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, and civil guards Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.

Okoye said all three were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Their detention is part of an investigation; it is not a finding of guilt.

The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, directed the Complaint Response Unit to investigate the video and the circumstances of the encounter.

The command said a traffic violation did not justify extortion, harassment or abuse of office. It said disciplinary action would depend on the investigation’s outcome.

Police asked the affected motorist to contact the Complaint Response Unit and supply information that could assist the inquiry.

Source: Punch