The dismissed policemen L-R; Ex-Sgt. Adeayo Temitope, Ex-Inspr. Mufutau Olaogun, Ex-Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin and Ex-Cpl. Bakare Taiwo at the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU), FHQ Abuja in the course of the investigation

The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday announced the dismissal of four officers accused of bribery in its Ijebu-Ode Area Command, Ogun State.

The Policemen identified as Inspector Mufutau Olaosun, Sgt. Adebayo Temitope, Cpl. Bakare Taiwo and Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin were dismissed after they were found guilty of extorting the sum of N50,000 to grant bail to a complainant they accused of stealing a phone found on him as well as engaging in fraudulent activities.

ACP Abayomi Shogunle head of Police Public Compliant Rapid Response Unit said in a statement on Sunday that a complaint about the activities of the dismissed policement was received via a WhatsApp number on 12 June, 2017, which reads thus:

“Good morning sir, My name is (Withheld), living in ijebu ode, on Wednesday afternoon I went to withdraw money from the bank and am been sent by my boss when going back to the office some policeman car just double cross me and collect my phone telling I stole the phone I should follow the to the station and the took me to igbeba police station here in ijebu asked me to do frog jump from outside to a room, which I did to afford being beating. After gotten there they started calling a internet fraudster which I told them am not that am an (withheld) and they started beating slapping me and forcing me to write a statement which they are the one telling me what to write and after that they collected 50,000 from me( from my boss money which I went to withdraw before ealizing me. Sir that’s my story. All this are not good and policeman are meant to protect us but this nowadays police officer have turn this to another thing by using their power to ride civilians, maltreating and harassing civilian. The officers name who headed the squad are been called which I overhead are name: one is Omo Alaja while the second is called AY but don’t know the name of the other 2 officer. Please sir you have to stop this kind of officer because they are taking this to far”

Shogunle, an Assistant Commissioner of Police added that following the complainant, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Igbeba Division, Ijebu-Ode was mandated to commence investigation of the bribery allegation.

“The policemen were identified and it was discovered that they apprehended the complainant on 7th June, 2017 without any reasonable cause and extorted the sum of N50,000.00 “Bail Money” despite the #BailisFree campaign before he was eventually released same day.

“The extorted N50,000 was subsequently recovered from these unethical policemen who were armed in plain clothes on the day of the incident. Their action is contrary to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and unacceptable.

“Necessary disciplinary measures were initiated against the erring policemen, they were found guilty as charged in an Orderly Room trial after the presentation of witnesses and exhibits. Punishment of dismissal from service was recommended by the Adjudicating officer and proceedings reviewed by the relevant Nigeria Police Force (NPF) authorities.

“The punishment of dismissal from service has been upheld with immediate effect and all NPF uniforms and accoutrements including warrant cards (ID cards) issued to the men have been retrieved with all dismissal procedures completed.

“The complainant was also handed back his N50,000 with an apology a day after he lodged the complaint. The elated man after receiving his money thanked the PCRRU, he said “Great job you people are doing right there, thank you for the prompt response,” Shogunle added.

The Police PCRRU head therefore advised members of the public not to resort to self-help when faced with case of police misconduct, but are enjoined to report such to the PCRRU for resolution.

According to him, the PCRRU is available 24/7 via the following channels; Phone Calls Only: 08057000001, 08057000002 | SMS/WhatsApp Only: 08057000003 | BBM:58A2B5DE | Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU | Facebook: www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU | Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]