The Imo State Police Command has detained an inspector, Chinewe Ejiogu, and two State Civil Guard Corps officers, Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike, at the State Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly extorting a motorist in Owerri.

The motorist, identified as Chinedum, accused the officers in a video that went viral on Thursday of extorting N15,000 from him for parking wrongly while his mechanic was test-running his vehicle.

“My brother and I were allegedly extorted of N15,000 by three police officers in Owerri. 

“My car developed a strange sound, so l parked by the corner and called a mechanic. While we were test-running the car to identify the problem, the officers entered our vehicle and accused us of parking wrongly. Despite explaining the situation, they demanded money from us, and we were forced to pay N15,000,” the motorist alleged.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Friday that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“The command strongly condemns the conduct depicted in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel,” the police said.

“The police officer involved has been identified as Inspector Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, while the two State Civil Guard Corps personnel have been identified as Mr Kelechi Nzediagwu and Mr Onyedikachi Chibuike. They are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).”

The police urged the motorist to report to the Command’s Complaint Response (CRU) Unit and provide relevant information to assist the investigation.

The command reiterated that no traffic violation justifies extortion, harassment, or abuse of office. It warned officers to discharge their duties in accordance with the law and treat members of the public with respect.

The command also urged members of the public to report incidents of police misconduct through the appropriate channels, assuring that allegations of misconduct will be treated seriously.