Ebonyi Police Commissioner affirms zero tolerance for extortion and misconduct

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ebonyi State, Augustina Ogbodo, has unequivocally stated that the Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy for extortion and other forms of misconduct among its officers. The CP conveyed this message through a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, and made available to the media in Abakaliki.

In response to allegations by Mr. Sampson Oko Nweke, Chairman of Human Rights Defenders, accusing officers of the Ebonyi State Police Command of various offenses, including human rights abuses and extortion, CP Ogbodo emphasized that any police officer found engaging in such activities will face the full consequences of the law.

The statement highlighted the Command’s commitment to upholding integrity and ensuring that officers adhere to professional conduct. It emphasized that the CP has consistently communicated the zero-tolerance stance on extortion, incivility, unlawful arrest, detention, and brutality towards civilians during interactions with the public.

Addressing the specific allegations made by Mr. Nweke, the statement clarified that the incidents were not reported to the Police Public Relations Office or the Commissioner of Police. The CP ordered an investigation into an unfortunate incident that occurred on December 2, 2023, and emphasized that any officer found culpable would be held accountable.

The statement expressed concern that some individuals might be attempting to unjustly attack the Command and the Commissioner of Police, asserting that the allegations lacked substantiation and were not established within the Command. The CP affirmed the commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law enforcement code of conduct.