Police dismiss 3 officers over alleged kidnapping and extortion of civilians in Abia

Monday, February 10, 2025 - The Abia State Police Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, has dismissed three officers for alleged conspiracy, abduction and extortion of unsuspecting victims.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who confirmed the dismissal in a statement on Friday, February 7, 2025 said the officers, Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi, Corporal James Daniel and Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution with the other civilian accomplices.

According to the statement, on January 29, 2025, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abayi intercepted the rogue officers and two accomplices armed with an electric baton, an assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol. 

The group had reportedly hired a minibus, kidnapped civilians along the Port Harcourt Expressway, and threatened their victims before extorting them.

They later demanded additional ransom from the victims’ families for their release. 

Following an internal investigation and orderly room trial, the officers were found guilty of engaging in conduct unbecoming of law enforcement personnel.

“The Commissioner of Police Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has dismissed three officers for discreditable conduct, to wit conspiracy, abduction and extortion of their unsuspecting victims,” the statement read. 

"As a result, the public is hereby notified that: Force No. 501356 Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi, attached to Area Command, Aba, Force No. 511844 Corporal James Daniel, attached to the Department of Operations, Umuahia, and Force No. 511853 Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka, attached to Eziama Division, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) effective today, 07/02/2025, and has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution with the other civilian accomplices. This action follows the administrative disciplinary measures taken by the command.

"It will be recalled that On 29/01/2025, the aforementioned officers and two other civilians were apprehended by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Abayi after they were found armed with an electric baton, assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol respectively, conspired and hired a minibus, abducted some civilians along Port Harcourt Expressway, threatened and extorted them and thereafter demanded extra money from their families for their release.

"An investigation/ Orderly room trial was initiated by the Command and the investigation confirmed their involvement in the unprofessional conduct which are prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to their dismissal. Their Official accoutrements have been retrieved by the Command's Provost and they ceasse to be members of the force.

"The Commissioner of Police Abia State Command CP Danladi Isa reaffirms the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and other unprofessional conduct emphasizing that discipline and professionalism is the bedrock of the Nigeria Police Force. 

“He assured the public that the command will not condone the activities of bad eggs in the force and that the command under his leadership remains committed to the vision of the Inspector General of Police in ensuring a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force.”