THE Rivers State Police Command has ordered the arrest and detention of officers allegedly involved in extorting motorists, following the circulation of a viral video that sparked public outrage.
In a statement issued today by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, the police confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the allegations.
The controversy emerged after a social media activist, Comrade Phils, accused officers attached to the Old GRA Police Station in Port Harcourt of routinely targeting motorists, particularly drivers of vehicles with tinted windows.
According to the allegations, the officers, reportedly led by ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, ignored valid tinted glass permits, including factory-fitted approvals, and demanded payments of up to ₦100,000 from motorists.
Reacting to the claims, the Rivers State Police Command described the allegations as serious and inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju directed the immediate arrest and detention of the officers named in the complaint and ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The police chief reiterated that extortion, unlawful collection of money, and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership.
He stressed the command’s commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism, respect for human rights, and public trust.
Adepoju assured residents that the investigation would be thorough, transparent, and impartial, adding that any officer found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law and provisions of the Nigeria Police Act.
The command also commended members of the public for reporting incidents of misconduct and encouraged citizens to continue using established complaint channels to report corruption, abuse of office, and other unprofessional conduct by police personnel.
According to the statement, the Rivers State Police Command remains committed to upholding discipline, integrity, and quality service delivery in its policing operations across the state.
