Three female inspectors have been taken into custody by the Rivers State Police Command on suspicion of extorting motorists at the Rumuokoro axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
This followed a wave of complaints about the conduct of the female operatives in the area of social media.
According to the police, they were arrested on Tuesday following a coordinated surveillance patrol by members of the Commissioner of Police team.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Iringe-Koko stated that a cell phone was used to record the operatives’ unlawful acts, offering unmistakable proof of their conduct.
Despite her condemnation of the operatives’ actions, she called them unprofessional, particularly because they were not wearing uniforms.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three of its officers following a coordinated monitoring patrol by operatives from the Commissioner of Police team, CP Monitoring Unit on October 29, 2024.
“The operation, conducted under the Rumuokoro Flyover around 3 pm, led to the arrest of Inspector Sarah Anendei, Inspector Caroline Promise and Inspector Christiana Jatau, who were caught engaging in a corrupt practice against innocent motorists under the flyover. Two of the officers, Inspectors Caroline Promise and Christiana Jatau, were found conducting this unprofessional behaviour while out of uniform, further contravening police standards.
“Their misconduct was captured on video by a mobile phone, providing clear evidence of their actions.
During the immediate on-site investigation, the operatives searched the officers and recovered the money taken from the motorists, marking a swift response in upholding ethical practices within the Rivers State Police Command.”
They have been placed under arrest and are awaiting the proper disciplinary action, she added.
It said, “The officers are currently detained and awaiting appropriate disciplinary measures.
“The Rivers State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to professional integrity and assures the public that any personnel found violating the principles of service will be held accountable.”
