A Labour Party house of assembly candidate in Delta State during the 2023 election, Harrison Gwamnishu, has accused the Rivers State Police Command of protecting three officers allegedly involved in a kidnapping case.
The officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo, ASP Talent Mungo, and Inspector Odey Michael, were arrested in January for allegedly kidnapping two man and extorting N4.2 million from him
However, Gwamnishu, in a statement on Friday, alleged that the officers are still “walking freely” despite being indicted for the alleged crime.
He added that he was informed that the culpable officers could not be discharged due to their senior status within the police force.
“Since on the 18th of January, through my effort and that of my team, we arrested These officers that were involved in kidnapping and took a ransom of $3000 USDT from their victim. till date, these officers are walking freely at the command and putting our lives and that of the victim at risk,” Gwamnishu tweeted on X.
Gwamnishu directly addressed the state commissioner of police,Olatunji Disu, saying, “Nigerians are watching you, sir. You are a refined officer of the law and shouldn’t be shielding them.”
While the state police command initially confirmed the arrest and stated an investigation was underway, there has been no update from police on their case.
Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on January 22, disclosed that the officers whose actions violated the law and the ethical standards of the police force were facing disciplinary action.
“Following a comprehensive inquiry, it has been established that the actions of the officers in question were in clear violation of the law and the ethical standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force. As a result, appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken to address this grave misconduct,” Iringe Koko said.
Gwamnishu, however, urged the Nigerian Police Force to give members of the public an update on the case.
