Imo police detain inspector, two civil guards over viral extortion video

A viral video allegedly showing a police inspector and two civil guard personnel harassing and extorting a motorist in Owerri has prompted the detention of the three operatives by the Imo State Police Command.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 8, after the operatives stopped the motorist over an alleged traffic violation involving the absence of a driver’s licence.

In the video circulated on social media, the operatives were seen confronting the motorist and struggling with him over the steering wheel, triggering concerns about alleged misconduct by security personnel.

The police identified the inspector as Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, while the two civil guard personnel were named as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.

According to the police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, the three personnel are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) pending the outcome of an investigation.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit to investigate the incident.

He also urged the affected motorist to report to the unit and provide relevant information to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police command condemned the conduct captured in the video, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel.

It stressed that no traffic violation justified extortion, harassment or abuse of office.

The command added that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the personnel following the conclusion of the investigation.

It also urged members of the public to report incidents of police misconduct through the appropriate channels, assuring residents that such allegations would be treated seriously.