Police officer celebrating extortion dismissed

Richard Gele, an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, was fired for defending extortion in a video that has since gone viral on social media.

This was revealed by the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement that PREMIUM TIMES got on Friday.

The fired cop was shown glorifying and defending public extortion and official corruption in the viral videotape that went viral in June.

His firing comes amid a public uproar against police intimidation and extortion, especially among young people.

The police claim that the officer, who up to his termination had the service number AP/No.188547 in Okene, Kogi State, a member of Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, was sent to the Itobe - For the protection of drivers and commuters along the route where the incident happened, Anyigba Road.

The police also stated that the officer was de-kitted after going through a disciplinary commission inside the force when they announced his dismissal.

He joined the police in 2000 and is a native of the state of Benue.

The Benue State native who was fired as an inspector joined the Force in September of 2000. His dismissal came after he was subject to an internal disciplinary process and was guilty of all accusations in accordance with the laws in force that control the behaviour of police officers. As a result, he no longer qualifies as a Nigeria Police Force member.

The officer has been de-kitted and delivered to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police for further action.

IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, warned all staff to abstain from extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption, and other inappropriate behaviours while expressing the steadfast commitment of his administration to the nation with policing standards that are in line with international best practices. The IGP asked them to carry out their responsibilities with exceptional bravery and patriotism.

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