The police command in Anambra has ordered the detention and orderly room trial of three inspectors for extortion.

The command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ikenga said police commissioner Ikioye Orutugu condemned the conduct of the officers who, during a patrol in Awka, unlawfully accosted a resident, searched his phone, and extorted money from him.

According to the statement, Mr Ikioye Orutugu on June 11 ordered the detention of the officers.

“The CP further directed the immediate commencement of internal disciplinary proceedings of the force against the officers,” said the statement. “The CP during interrogation of the officers frowned at the poor character exhibited when they accosted an unsuspecting member of the public during a security patrol, forcibly searched his phone and extorted money from the victim.”

Mr Ikioye reaffirmed that the police remain a disciplined, transparent, responsible, responsive, and accountable institution that would never condone any form of abuse of office or unprofessional conduct.

“The CP noted that such anomalies, aside from negating the professional calling of the police, are unacceptable as they affect the entire execution of policies and directives. Your character will widen the trust gap between the citizens and the force,” the statement said.

(NAN)