Police arrest inspector, two civil guards over extortion in Imo

By Emmanuel Iheaka

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a police traffic warden, Inspector Chinwe Ejiogu, and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps over alleged extortion and harassment of a motorist in Owerri.

The arrests followed the circulation of a viral video showing the officers allegedly harassing and attempting to extort a motorist who was said to be driving without a driver’s licence.

In a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the command condemned the conduct captured in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel.

Okoye identified the police inspector as Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, while the two civil guard personnel were identified as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.

He said the three suspects were being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continued.

“The Imo State Police Command is aware of a viral video in which a police traffic warden and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps were captured harassing and extorting a motorist allegedly driving without a driver’s licence in Owerri on October 8, 2026,” the statement said.

According to Okoye, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to investigate the incident.

The command also urged the affected motorist to report to the unit and provide relevant information to assist the investigation.

It said appropriate disciplinary action would be taken upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The police reiterated that no traffic violation justified extortion, harassment or abuse of office, warning personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the law and treat members of the public with respect.

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

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