The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, presents the outcome of intelligence-led investigations into serious criminal misconduct involving both serving and dismissed police personnel operating within Rivers State and other parts of the country.
The cases before you today involve officers who abused the authority entrusted to them by engaging in conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption, acts entirely inconsistent with the ethics, professionalism, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
Through diligent investigations, this Command has uncovered these criminal networks, effected arrests, recovered exhibits, and initiated both disciplinary and criminal proceedings against all persons found culpable.
CASE 1 OF 2
Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, and Kidnapping by Serving Police Officers
Background
This case involves serving police officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who are alleged to have operated an illegal patrol and extortion syndicate within Rivers State.
Complaint
On 3rd February 2026, one Festus Saturday filed a formal complaint alleging that he was unlawfully intercepted, abducted, and robbed by armed policemen posing as stop-and-search officers along Igbo Etche Road, Port Harcourt.
Findings of Investigation
Investigation established that on 3rd November 2025, the complainant was driving alongside his cousin in a Lexus RX 350 when he was stopped by a six-man police team operating from a Toyota Sienna bus. No incriminating item was found during the search. Despite this, the officers detained and assaulted the complainant, compelled him to unlock his mobile phones, and proceeded to access his banking and cryptocurrency applications.
The officers subsequently abducted both men to an undisclosed location, where the following sums were forcibly transferred from the victim’s accounts:
NGN 4,500,000.00 from his OPay bank account
USD 1,742.00 from his cryptocurrency wallet
The total value of funds unlawfully obtained from the victim amounts to NGN 7,338,800.00, inclusive of the foreign currency equivalent.
Further investigation confirmed that the suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles during operations and had engaged in similar criminal activities against multiple unsuspecting citizens within Rivers State using the same method of operation.
Suspects
No. AP Number Rank Name Sex Age Status 1 AP/NO. 211108 Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili M 44 ARRESTED 2 AP/NO. 334201 Inspector Durojaye Francis M 44 ARRESTED 3 AP/NO. 356880 Inspector Olayemi Titus M 45 ARRESTED 4 AP/NO. 305615 Inspector Awele Ogbogu M AT LARGE 5 AP/NO. 378381 Inspector Prosper Aghotor M AT LARGE 6 F/NO. 357539 Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa M AT LARGE
Exhibits Recovered
Three Toyota Sienna Space Buses used in the illegal operations
Cash sum of NGN 7,338,800.00 recovered from the arrested suspects
Status and Next Steps
A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping has been established against all six suspects. The three arrested officers are currently undergoing orderly room proceedings and will be charged to court. A manhunt is actively underway for the three fleeing suspects.
CASE 2 OF 2
Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Stealing, and Extortion by DOPS Patrol Officers
Background
This case relates to a pattern of criminal conduct perpetrated by officers attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team, Rivers State Police Command, Port Harcourt. The misconduct came to light through petitions submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.
Findings of Investigation
Investigation established that the suspects, while armed and operating in minibuses, routinely intercepted unsuspecting citizens during illegal stop-and-search operations. Victims were coerced into revealing their banking PINs and account details, after which funds were unlawfully transferred from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.
The criminal activities occurred on separate occasions between September 2025 and January 2026 at multiple locations across Rivers State. Suspects falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion.
Summary of Victims and Losses
Victim What Happened Estimated Loss Mr. Felix Favour Abducted at gunpoint along Aba Road; funds forcibly taken from cryptocurrency wallet and bank account NGN 3,605,000+ (incl. USD 4,000 equiv.) Mr. Okparaocha David Ugochukwu Abducted; cash extorted; gold jewellery and wristwatch stolen NGN 7,300,000+ (cash and valuables) Mr. John Godstime Abducted along NTA Road; ATM details obtained by force; account drained NGN 1,500,000.00
Suspects Arrested and Dismissed
No. AP Number Rank Name Sex Age Status 1 AP/NO. 304883 Inspector John Okoi M 35 DISMISSED 2 AP/NO. 305575 Inspector Eyibo Asuquo M 41 DISMISSED 3 AP/NO. 386735 Inspector Udo Ndipmong M 38 DISMISSED 4 AP/NO. 334605 Inspector Bright Nwachukwu M 43 DISMISSED 5 AP/NO. 357283 Inspector Anele Ikechukwu M 36 DISMISSED
Status and Next Steps
Following orderly room proceedings, all five officers have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect. A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption, and extortion has been established against each of them. The case file has been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with charges expected to be filed within 30 days.
CLOSING REMARKS
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that the actions of these officers (both those dismissed and those awaiting prosecution) represent a grave betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of Rivers State and the nation at large. They do not reflect the values, standards, or professional conduct expected of members of this Force.
Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM, this Command remains uncompromising in its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights, irrespective of the rank or position of those found wanting.
The Force encourages all members of the public to report cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, and human rights violations through the following channels:
Rivers State Police Command Control Room: 08032003913
The Force Public Relations Office at Command Headquarters, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Police Force online complaints portal
The Police Service Commission and the Police Complaints Response Unit
All complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality and prompt action on every verified report. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to restoring and sustaining public confidence through professional, lawful, and citizen-centred policing.
Issued by:
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, psc(+), mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Rivers State Police Command | Nigeria Police Force
Nigerian Police Dismiss 5 Inspectors For Engaging In Armed Robbery, Kidnapping In Rivers
